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ADVENTURES OF A FAIR REBEL

BELIEVE ME, YOU ARE SAFE," HE SAID.

ADVENTURES OF

A FAIR REBEL

BY

MATT GRIM.

JTciu JJork :

CHARLES L. WEBSTER & CO.
1891.

Copyright, 1891,
CHARLES L. WEBSTER & CO.

(All rights reserved,'}

PRESS OF
JENKINS & McCowAN,

NEW YORK.

Wo
C35

TO MY FRIEND,

fUrs. €l)as. til. Calmer,

WHO GAVE ME COUNSEL AND ENCOURAGEMENT

WHEN MOST NEEDED, THIS STORY IS

GRATEFULLY DEDICATED.

&J12G30

ADVENTURES OF A FAIR REBEL.

CHAPTER I.

IT was in the second year of the war that my
uncle, Charles Dillingham, decided to sell his
plantation in western North Carolina, and,
with his family and slaves, return to the old
homestead near Decatur, Georgia, a small town
a few miles below Atlanta.

There were only three of the Dillingham
heirs — my mother, Uncle Charles and Uncle
Reuben. On my mother's marriage her por
tion of the property had been given to her, but
the two brothers lived together, even after Un
cle Charles married a North Carolina girl. My
cousins, Alicia and Nell, were ten and five
years of age respectively when their mother
grew homesick for the wilds of her native
State, and pleaded to return. My parents were

IO ADVENTURES OF

both dead, so I lived with my uncles. The
brothers divided their property, Uncle Charles
taking his portion in money and slaves, and we
journeyed to the old North State to live.

In a few years my aunt died, and we chil
dren longed to go back to the old home in
Georgia, but it seemed hard for Uncle Charles
to move again. Every year he put it off, until
the war came on, and Uncle Reuben died, wife
less and childless, leaving the homestead and
family slaves to his brother. Even then Uncle
Charles hesitated about returning, for he had
a vein of weakness in his fine character which
prevented him from ever being positive about
anything — even his business affairs.

After much thought and talk, and many ar
guments from us, he decided to go. We palpi
tated with delight, and could talk of nothing else.
The negroes were also wild with joy — for, in
the division, many had been separated from
those near and dear to them. In the " big
house " and in the cabins a note of preparation
was sounded.

A FAIR REBEL. II

I had only two servants — an old man and his
wife. Uncle Ned had been my father's devoted
slave and body-servant, and Aunt Milly my
nurse and maid. They were my attendants — -
my body-guard. They watched over me with
sleepless vigilance, served me with tenderest
love. Aunt Milly was a tall, strong woman,
with gentle manners and a rather uncertain
temper; Uncle Ned, lean, erect and dignified.
His black face had shriveled into a network of
wrinkles; his hair looked like white wool. He
had a great deal of family pride, and, I think,
secretly regarded himself as my true guardian.
What irrepressible joy those two old people
betrayed when they learned that we were
really going back !

" Lawd, honey, has Mars Charles made up
his' mind, sho' 'nough ? " cried Uncle Ned, when
I ran into the room where he was at work
cleaning and polishing my shoes, while Aunt
Milly sewed on my new gown.

" He has," I cried, capering about the room
in my excessive delight.

12 ADVENTURES OF

Tears ran down Aunt Milly's face, and she
rocked to and fro with many ejaculations and
pious words. Uncle Ned took it more quietly.

" Dar ain't no country like Georgey," he
said, emphatically.

Uncle Charles wished to send my cousins
and me under a suitable escort around by rail,
while he traveled across the country and
through the mountains with the slaves; but
we were so anxious to go with him that he
yielded to our importunities.

Alicia entertained a good many fears of the
journey, and indulged in dark forebodings.
She was a tall, very slender girl, of twenty-
four, one year older than I. She had long
arms, a long, delicate neck, and a long nose.
Her chin retreated slightly, and her complex
ion was pale. She possessed no beauty, except
her fine brown hair and dark, soft, short-sight
ed eyes. Her height and the deficiency in her
vision caused her to lean forward, until she
stooped habitually. She was a refined and
delicate creature, with a great deal of timidity

A FAIR REBEL. 13

in her nature, and a world of sentiment hidden
under sedate manners. She had strength of
character in some ways, for Uncle Charles lean
ed on her judgment, and I often thought that
he loved her more tenderly than he did Nell.
She was so gentle, sympathized with him so
understandingly, and had such patience with
his vacillating weakness.

Nell was eighteen, and one of the prettiest
girls in the country. She was a coquette, de
voting a good deal of time to her curls and her
dress. She was spoiled, had scornful ways,
and people admired but did not always love
her.

The first thing that I did toward preparing
for the journey was to beg my uncle for a pis
tol — for who could tell what adventures might,
or might not, befall us ? I enjoyed the pros
pect of being waylaid by highwaymen, for I
had read Byron and Scott until my head was
full of romance. Southern girls before the war
were bred and brought up in an atmosphere of
chivalry and knight-errantry. My uncle laugh-

14 ADVENTURES OF

ed at me, but I persisted in my entreaty for a
weapon.

" You would only shoot yourself," he said,
at last.

" Try me, and see ! " I cried, nettled at his
lack of faith in my courage and good sense.

" You would never dare toshoot at any one,
Rachel."

" If molested, I would. We may go into
great dangers on this journey, and it is well to
be prepared."

He gave me my way in the matter.

I can look back on that time and pity Uncle
Charles. With three young women to guide
and protect, his life must have been full of
harassing experiences.

That summer seemed very long to us,
though Uncle Charles grumbled at the short
ness of time. Some of the crops were gathered;
some were sold in the field. Household furni
ture had to be disposed of, and the things spe
cially prized collected together and packed.
At the last moment my uncle decided that the

A FAIR REBEL. 15

slaves bought in North Carolina must be sold
there. He did not care to again separate fam
ilies.

It was on a clear, frosty September morning
that we started. Some of the negroes wept
loudly at the breaking asunder of new ties,
and we were near to tears as we parted from
friends and neighbors. Our white-covered
wagons, stored with tents, household treasures
and provisions, stretched out like a caravan
along the road. Nell and I were on horseback,
Alicia and her father in the carriage. There
were fifty negroes — men, women and children
— and all those who could, walked. The young
children and the feeble old people rode in the
wagons.

In the excitement of travel we soon lost that
first, keenest pang of regret for our friends.
Nell remained pensive for a few hours, think
ing of her lovers, but I rallied her so cruelly
that she regained her usual spirits. I had left no
binding heart-interests to tear cords of love
asunder. Love I had not experienced, though

1 6 ADVENTURES OF

*
three-and-twcnty and full of ardent sentiment

and feeling. I was not so handsome as my
cousin Nell, nor so plain as Alicia. My feat
ures were irregular, my skin clear and smooth.
I had brilliant dark blue eyes and black hair.
I was regarded as an accomplished girl, and
one above the average in intellect. I could
play on the piano, possessed a good contralto
voice, and had made myself familiar with all
the readable books in my uncle's library. I
had received two offers of marriage, but, be
yond flattering my vanity, they had made no
impression on me.

That first day's travel passed without inci
dent, and we camped on the bank of a creek
under the shadow of the mountains. Our tents
were pitched, and pine boughs were laid thick
ly on the ground for the beds to rest upon. We
had supper between sunset and dark, and then
the negroes cooked their rations for the next
day. As the frosty night came on they gath
ered closely about the camp-fires and sang
corn-field melodies, the mellow notes coming

A FAIR REBEL. I/

back from the mountain-passes in a thousand
sweet echoes.

We slept that night with the pungent odors
of hemlock and spruce about us, and the sound
of falling water in our ears.

The next day we journeyed through the
mountains, the scenery growing wilder and
wilder as we penetrated the defiles or toiled
over the foothills. My horse went lame about
midday in one of its forefeet, and several of
the negroes examined it without being able to
find the cause; then Uncle Ned carefully and
gravely looked at the hoof.

" H'm ! Miss Rachel, honey, it looks mighty
like it's been conjured. If it was a stone, it
stands to reason we might see it."

" Chut ! " cried Uncle Charles, contemptu
ously; " let me see what is the matter."

But he discovered no more than the negroes,
and I had to ride in the carriage, while the
poor horse was tied to the back of one of the
wagons, and limped along, apparently in much
pain.

IS ADVENTURES OF

The negroes looked on the animal with awe,
certain that it had been conjured; and though
Uncle Charles scolded them sharply, they were
not shaken in their superstitious belief. It cast
a slight gloom over them, and other misfortunes
were expected.

As the day declined the weather changed.
The wind blew from the south, and clouds
gathered threateningly. We went into camp
early, and deep trenches were dug out around
our tents. The prospect of a storm depressed
my uncle, and made the negroes anxious. It
was the wildest night any of us had ever been
abroad. Rain fell in torrents, and the wind
shrieked through the mountains like a hurri
cane. Alicia, Nell and I occupied one tent.
We huddled down under the blankets and list
ened to the roar of the tempest, pitying the
poor horses for having no shelter except the
dripping trees. Uncle Charles came to the
tent door.

" Girls, girls, are you comfortable? " he cried,
anxiously.

A FAIR REBEL. 19

We assured him that we were, and enjoying
the situation.

Alicia and Nell finally slept, but excitement
kept me awake. I rose, and, groping- my way
to the tent door, unfastened a corner of the
canvas. A cold spray beat in my face; the
wind nearly took my breath away. Two of the
wagons were within range of my vision, and
under one of them a lighted lantern had been
hung. It swayed to and fro, casting a pale
glimmer on the ground. Beyond its feeble
glow the world was blotted out in a darkness
so intense that no human eye could penetrate
it. Uncle Charles passed by the tent with an
other lantern. He was wrapped in an oil-cloth
coat reaching to the top of his high, coarse
boots. I softly called to him. He stopped,
bending slightly before the gale.

" Any danger ? " I inquired.

" Not unless the tents are blown away."

I listened, dismayed, and the situation as
sumed a more serious aspect. It was one thing
to be housed, dry and warm, under thick can-

20 ADVENTURES OF

vas — another to be exposed to the pitiless
fury of the storm. •

" Do you think they will be blown away ? "

"I cannot tell," he said, grimly. "I was a
fool to allow you girls to take the hardships of
this trip. Go back to bed, and sleep. It will
be time enough for alarm when the tent-poles
give way."

" Why don'tyou lie down, Uncle Charles?"

"I intend to, as soon as I look after the
horses."

Though wind and rain roared like a great
sea lashed to fury, and the earth seemed to
tremble sometimes beneath us, the tents with
stood the tempest.

I fell asleep, but toward morning was wak
ened by Nell.

" Mother of mercy ! what is the matter ? " I
exclaimed, startled by the vigorous shaking
she gave me.

" There is a leak in the tent, Rachel. It is
dripping in my face ! "

My own hair was moist, and when I threw

A 1'AIR REBEL. 21

out my hand on the coverlid I found little
pools of water collecting in the quilted hol
lows. The long and violent rain had soaked
the thick canvas until large drops wrere falling
on us from the inner side. From that time
until daylight we were kept busy dodging the
leaks.

It was a gray morning, with lowering clouds
above and a wet earth below. The charred
remnants of the camp-fires were floating about
in ponds of water, and it was useless to try to
kindle new ones. After a cold, hasty breakfast
the teams were harnessed to the wagons, and
we set out on a dreary day's travel. The coun
try through which we passed was very sparsely
settled. A cabin, set in the midst of a clearing,
here and there, seemed the only habitation of
man. The roads were rough, and the streams
we had to cross were so swollen by the rains
that it was dangerous to ford them. We met
two or three mountaineers, but they were sus
picious and shy, and would have little to say
to us.

22 ADVENTURES OF

My poor Lightfoot continued to limp, and
by midday one of the draught horses was re
ported lame. The negroes grew more and
more uneasy, and two or three malcontents
openly expressed dissatisfaction. Uncle Charles
could exercise great firmness when it came to
the control of his slaves. He rode all day in
the rain, alternately cheering and lecturing the
discontented ones.

" Brace up, boys, brace up ! Remember
that we are going home. What is a little rain ?
I don't mind it."

I could see, now, that it would have been
much better for us to have gone the way he
wished. We added greatly to his responsibil
ity and care. Alicia, who was a fragile crea
ture, suffered from the dampness, and the cold,
unpalatable food, but Nell and I were both so
strong and healthy that we could eat dry corn-
bread — ''corn-pone" — and find it good. We
passed the day singing and telling stories, and
watched from the carriage windows for scenes
of life along the road. We could not tell how

A FAIR REBEL. 23

high the mountains were above us, for their
summits were lost in clouds and mist. Occa
sionally we caught glimpses of muddy water
falls leaping and roaring down steep hillsides
into the ravines below. Before the day closed,
even I had lost all desire for excitement and
adventure. A shelter, however rude; a fire
side, however humble, would have satisfied me.

24 ADVENTURES OF

CHAPTER II.

THE short afternoon closed in very quickly.
First the distant ranges faded from our vision,
then out of the ravines and hollows black night
seemed to spring upon us. The rain still fell
steadily, and to go into camp with tents and
bedclothes all wet, and no hope of having a
fire, seemed utterly impossible. We pushed
on until we finally came upon one of the lonely
farm-houses, and my uncle decided to ask
shelter for us. The rude cabin, with its small
outhouses, stood on one side of the road, and a
blacksmith's shop on the other. Two men
were at work in it, and the ring of hammer and
anvil, the red glow of firelight filling the sooty
interior, thrilled us with a sense of companion
ship and warmth. An old man came to the
door of the shop to parley with Uncle Charles,
and in spite of the deep clamorous barking of
dogs in the farm-yard, and the chatter of a

A FAIR REBEL. 25

swarm of children peering at us from the door
step, I overheard part of the conversation.

The old man stared out deliberately at the
wagons when my uncle requested a night's
lodging.

"Tears to me there's a good many of you."

"Take in the three ladies. I can sleep any
where, and the negroes will remain in the
wagons."

" All them niggers yourn ? "

"Yes," impatiently.

" Secesh, air you ? "

" Of course."

" Well, I ain't, but I don't know as that
would hinder us from takin' you in. Where
did you say you was from ? "

" North Carolina."

" An' you are goin' down near Atlanty ? "

" Yes."

" Had a brother livin' down somewhere in
them diggin's, but when they fust tuk to con-
scriptin' soldiers, he come back to the moun
tains."

26 ADVENTURES OF

" Can we stay ? " Uncle Charles inquired.

" I'll go an' ax the old woman."

He went across the road to the house. " I
will pay handsomely for the lodging, and our
servants can cook supper for us," Uncle Charles
said eagerly, following him.

" Lord, man, we ain't a-hankerin' for money,
though I don't say it ain't a good thing to have
sometimes. If the wimmen fo'ks can stay
they'll be welcome."

At last we were invited to alight and go in.
Aunt Milly pressed up to the carriage as I
stepped out, her face expressive of affection
and sympathy.

" How is you feelin', honey ? "

" Cramped and stiff, but otherwise all right,"
I said cheerfully. " How are you ? "

" Lawd, chile, dem rheumaticks is got me
dis time, sho. My ole j'ints feels lack dey
gwine to brake to pieces."

" Is you gwine to keep Miss Rachel standin'
in de rain all night, Milly, while you talk
about your j'ints ? " Uncle Ned exclaimed,

A FAIR REBEL. 2/

pushing her aside to hold an umbrella
over me.

She seized an armful of wraps, and followed
us to the house, and would not leave me until
she inspected the bed we were to sleep on that
night.

" It's better'n nuffin', dat's all I kin say," she
whispered with a sniff of contempt.

The house had originally been one large
room, but the back was finally cut off by a rude
partition; then one run through it, making two
small rooms. We learned that there were
eighteen in family, fifteen children of all sizes
and ages, the old man and his wife, and an
aged grandmother.

A huge fireplace half filled one end of the
main room, and we gathered about it, the
warmth and light of the burning logs on the
hearth very grateful to us. The room was
scantily furnished. Two beds, a dining-table
and some chairs were the principal articles.
In a corner of the hearth were piled the cook
ing utensils, and over the mantel hung strings

28 ADVENTURES OF

of red pepper, seed okra still in the pod, and a
bundle of gourds. The toothless, shriveled
old grandmother sat in the chimney corner
smoking a cob pipe. She entered into conver
sation with Alicia, and two rosy, dark-eyed
young women drew near to listen. Nell was
contented to nestle down by the fire and bask
in its warmth, but I went to the door again to
see what was going on outside.

The wagons had been drawn to the roadside,
and the tired horses, released from the shafts,
were munching their corn and fodder under a
shelter at the end of the blacksmith's shop.
The negroes had crowded into the shop, and
were cooking by the furnace fire, a thick fog of
steam rising from their moist clothes. House-
servants and field-hands were joining amiably
in getting up the repast, and I was glad to see
them cheerful once more. Espying me in the
doorway, vigilant Uncle Ned came over to see
if I wanted anything.

A happy thought struck me.

" Yes, I want one of those blacksmiths to

A FAIR REBEL. 2Q

examine Lightfoot's hoof. Perhaps there is
something wrong with his shoe."

He eyed me reproachfully.

" Now, Miss Rachel, honey, what's de use o1
dat? Didn't we all look at dat creetur's foot,
even to Mars Chawles ? you ain't gwine to find
de cause o' dat limpin'; sho' es I live."

" You must do as I say, Uncle Ned," I re
plied, firmly.

" To be shore, honey. I al'ays do dat."

" So you're a Secesh, air you ? " our host said
to Uncle Charles, when they sat down by the
fire after supper.

" I am, as I think every man ought to be at
this time."

" Well, I don't know about that. To me the
Union is o' more importance than all the nig
gers in creation."

" We are not fighting for the negroes, but
State rights."

" 'Mounts to the same thing, when it's sifted
down. Me an' my boys keep out'n the fray.
We can't fight for the Union, and we ain't goin'

30 ADVENTURES OF

to fight agin it. Some in this part o' the coun
try do fight for it in a sly way; that is, they're
apt to make trouble for the rebs who come
along."

My uncle's face expressed alarm.

" Do they make trouble for peaceable trav
elers ? "

" Sometimes they do, and sometimes they
don't."

Uncle Charles rose to his feet.

" This — this is serious."

"Set down, Mister Dillin'ham, set down, "said
the old man, calmly. " Long as you're under
my roof, you an' yours air in my keer, and I'd
like to see the man that 'ud dare dispute it."
His strong lower jaw, covered with thin, griz
zly beard, set like iron, his light-colored eyes
glittered dangerously. I felt the trustworthi
ness of his word, and I think Uncle Charles did,
too, for he sank back into his chair with a par
tial sigh of relief.

Vague fears beset us; visions of hordes of
lawless men swooping down upon us swept to

A FAIR REBEL. 31

and fro through our minds. Alicia stole to her
father's side and sat down, and he took her
hand in his, and I nearly shrieked aloud when
one of the blacksmiths peered in at the door.
He was a small man with a sullen brow and
shifty eyes.

" Come in, Marcus, come in," said our host,
hospitably.

" I ain't got time this evenin'. I must be git-
tin' home."

" Got your wagon fixed ? "

"Yes."

" An' them tools?"

" Yes, everything's done."

He disappeared.

Beasely was the name of our entertainers,
and early in the evening Mrs. Beasely pro
posed to show us to one of the little rooms.
Just as we were retiring, Uncle Ned came to
the front door again. He looked exceedingly
sheepish, and kept his eyes cast down, while
he said:

" I 'lowed I ortcr tell you 'bout Lightfoot."

32 ADVENTURES OF

-Yes?"

" Dey found a stone under his shoe."

" Aha ! just as I supposed they would," I
cried, triumphantly.

-Mighty myster'ous, dough, how it got
dar," he muttered.

"Worked its way under, of course."

"It was put dar, honey — put dar by de
power o' dem dat serves de debbil, an' dar'll
be more trouble, too, Tore we git out'n dese
mountings," he said, earnestly.

I tried to make very light of that last asser
tion, but, remembering Mr. Beasely's words,
my heart failed me.

When I went into our room, Nell lay half
buried in the middle of the great feather-bed,
but Alicia sat on a wooden chest only partly
undressed.

"What do you think, Rachel?" she whis
pered.

" That I may have to use this after all," I re
plied, drawing the pistol from my pocket with
an air of bravado.

A FAIR REBEL. 33

Nell instantly disappeared under the cover
with a little cry of alarm.

" Put that thing up, Rachel; I don't want it
going off here. You will kill one of us yet.
What are you and Alicia whispering about ? "

" Didn't you hear father and Mr. Beasely
talking ? " said Alicia.

" No, I didn't; I was asleep."

"Well, go to sleep again," I said, placing
the pistol on the floor under the bed.

" I will, if you and Alicia can stop talking.
Girls, it is perfectly heavenly to be on a real
bed again, and not a made-up affair with a leaky
tent over it."

We were very tired, and, in spite of our fears,
Alicia and I were soon asleep. It was near
twelve o'clock that I was awakened by Alicia
clutching my arm, and calling me.

-Rachel! Rachel!"

"Yes," I muttered, sleepily.

" I hear strange voices."

"Where ?" I whispered, starting up in bed,
trembling with terror, but alert.

34 ADVENTURES OF

" In the yard; listen! "

I sprang up, and crept softly over the bare
floor to the front of the room. There were great
airy chinks between the rough logs of the wall,
and kneeling down I peered through one of
them. The clouds had broken, for fleeting
gleams of moonlight shone on the yard. The
furnace-fire in the blacksmith's shop was still
lighted, and I could see some of the negro men,
the field-hands, sitting around it. Not far from
the corner of the house two white men were
standing, talking in such low tones that I could
not catch the drift of their conversation. In a
few minutes a third man came up with a large
jug in his hand, and they moved away across
the yard. But they had not advanced many
steps before Mr. Beasely met them.

" What have you got thar, Jeems ? " he de
manded, sternly.

Sullen silence prevailed.

"You mought as well tell me at once, for you'll
not take another step until you do, "and the moon
light gleamed on the polished barrel of a gun.

A FAIR REBEL. 35

" It's whiskey, f>ap."

"I 'lowed so. Takin' it to them niggers,
air you ? "

" They begged us for it: they're ready to pay."

" That don't make no difference. Didn't I
tell you not to fetch a drop to anybody ? You'd
be a takin' them to the 'stillery, I reckon, if you
dared. Don't you know that stuff 'ud make
debils o' them ? I told their marster he and hisn
would be safe on this place, an' I mean to keep
my word. You'll never ketch your pap a nap-
pin' on duty, my son. Tote your whiskey back
whar it came from."

They protested, they pleaded and blustered,
but he could not be moved.

"Look a here, these people will git into
trouble enough Tore they leave the mountins,
if they don't hurry, 'thout anything bein' done.
Don't act like fools, or you'll have them con-
scriptin' officers on your track agin."

" That's jest it," exclaimed one of the men;
"this fellow will be blabbin'."

" Hold your tongue. What does he know

36 ADVENTURES OF

'bout any o' you bein' deserters ? an' them gals
has about as much sense as a week-old baby.
Clear out, an' don't let me see hair or hide o'
any o' you agin to-night, or I'm mighty feered
somebody '11 git hurt."

He played with his gun in a very suggestive
way, and they reluctantly left him master of
the situation. He retreated to the fence and
sat down.

" It 'ud take a small army to outdo pap when
he gits his head sot," one of the young men
muttered, as they disappeared around the
house.

I felt such admiration for, and gratitude to,
the old man, that I longed to rush out and tell
him. His courage and honesty inspired me
with such trust, that, after reassuring Alicia,
who lay trembling under the bedclothes, I lay
down and slept soundly until morning.

A FAIR REBEL. 37

CHAPTER III.

UNCLE CHARLES insisted on leaving several
bright gold pieces in Mr. Beasely's hand when
we departed next morning, and I bestowed
half my jewelry on the girls. It was a clear
day, and the brilliant sunshine dispelled my
fears. I would not tell my uncle what I had
overheard during the night, but urged him to
travel as rapidly as possible. Nell and I once
more took to the saddle, sometimes leading,
sometimes following, the caravan.

It was late in the afternoon that we fell some
distance behind, having stopped at a roadside
spring for a drink of water, and to gather a
handful of ferns, russet brown from the frost.
A day of unmolested travel made us careless,
and we lingered some time, robbing a Spanish
oak of its scarlet foliage, to decorate our horses

38 ADVENTURES OF

with. Then we walked leisurely along the
road for a mile, before we mounted.

The sun was sinking below the western
peaks, and the silence of the shadowy woods
made us hasten on.

" What does that mean ?" Nell suddenly ex
claimed, pointing her whip to a ridge ahead of us.

I looked, and grew pale, for on that ridge
the highway forked, one road leading to the
southwest, the other to the southeast.

" That is nothing; we can see them, of course,
from that vantage-ground," I cried, and urged
my tired Lightfoot into a gallop. We stopped
at the forks of the road and looked to the right
and the left, but not a glimpse of the caravan
appeared. We examined the roads. Marks
of recent travel appeared on both. The road
to the left curved round the base of a mountain,
and was quickly lost to view, but the one on
the right kept more to the open valley for miles,
its dull red surface appearing here and there
where it crossed a ridge. I was inclined to
take it, but Nell hesitated — held back.

A FAIR REBEL. 39

" We cannot spend the night here ! " I cried,
between anger and despair.

" But if we take the wrong road ? "

" We must risk that. Come."

" Oh, if we only knew" and she wrung her
hands distractedly.

"Look! look!" I screamed, excitedly, point
ing to one of those remote ridges. A white
covered wagon was creeping slowly along the
bit of road in view. For a moment it seemed
to stand out on the crest of the hill, then van
ished into the hollow beyond. We needed no
further proof, and with a mixture of laughter
and tears we dashed away fleet as the wind, in
pursuit of that team. On and on we rode,
until the valley was left behind, and we entered
a defile of the mountains again, where the
gloom of twilight reigned, without discovering
our friends.

"I don't like this, Rachel," said Nell, look
ing fearfully around.

I didn't, either, but I had no intention of be
traying my fears just yet.

40 ADVENTURES OF

"We will catch up with them in a few
minutes," I said, hopefully. " You saw the
wagon, Nell."

"Yes, but what has become of it ?"

"They are driving fast to find a suitable
camping-ground."

The way grew wilder. Mountains rose
sharply on either side, broken here and there
by gorges so deep that we shuddered as we
plunged into them. We might have been in a
primeval wilderness for all the signs of human
life we could discover. The real twilight was
casting its gloom about us, the strip of sky seen
between the trees changing from blue to rose,
under the flush of evening. I looked at Nell.
Tears were streaming silently down her cheeks.
I could not trust my voice to utter a word of
consolation, knowing that if I did, I, too, would
break into weeping, and even in the midst of
my perplexity and terror the spectacle of two
young women riding along the road crying like
babies made me laugh hysterically.

We were passing through one of those terrible

A FAIR REBEL. 41

ravines, terrible to us because peopled with a
thousand imaginary dangers, when half a dozen
men rode out before us. Nell screamed aloud,
and I came near falling from my horse, so faint
with fright did I become.

"The advance guard, eh?" said one of the
men with a rude laugh. "Where are your
teams ? " he demanded.

"That is what we would like to know," I
said in a trembling tone; and then I plucked up
courage to explain our situation.

"Who knows that she is tellin' the truth,
boys?" said a gruff, hard-faced fellow, eying
me suspiciously. " Wimmen air precious liars,
all of 'em."

" Indeed she tells the truth," sobbed my
cousin piteously. "We saw a wagon in the
distance and thought we were on the right road."

" Take 'em in hand, till we ketch up with the
old man. Plenty o' bridle-trails across the
country to the other road."

" How did you know — who told you we were
coming ? " I stammered faintly.

42 ADVENTURES OF

A cunning laugh greeted the question.
" News travels over this country fast, and
straight as a crow flies," said the rough com
mander of the squad. " Come," he said, " we'll
do you no harm. We only want your money
and your niggers."

He laid his hand on Nell's bridle-rein, and
she screamed until a thousand weird echoes
answered from the mountains. " That's right,"
cried the man grimly, "make yourself hoarse
yellin', if you want to. It's all you can do, and
I s'pose it's some comfort. It ain't no use,
though. There's not a soul to hear you that'll
come to your help."

His brutal frankness swept away our last
hope. The courage of desperation whetted my
tongue to sharp words :

" I did not know that honest soldiers made
war on women."

" Maybe we don't claim to be honest soldiers.
We don't belong to neither side. We're inde
pendents, fightin' for ourselves."

Common robbers ! My heart sank within

A FAIR REBEL. 43

me. They wheeled into a settlement road, forc
ing us to bear them company. Oh, that ride !
keen thrills of emotion dart through me now at
the memory of it. We rode through the woods,
darkness on every hand. Sometimes we passed
over the bed of a stream, then through thick
underbrush, cold wet leaves grazing our faces.
An icy vapor rose from the moist earth, my
hands ached with cold, my heart with dread.
Vague horrors oppressed me, as well as real
ones. In agony I thought of the dismay, the
utter distraction of Alicia and Uncle Charles,
the lamentations of the servants. I wondered
if I should ever again lay my head on Aunt
Milly's bosom. Tears burned my eyelids as I
recalled harsh words uttered to poor faithful old
Ned. I reproached myself, too, for desiring to
take the right-hand road; perhaps Nell would
have chosen the other, had I not been so over
confident about the wagon, which proved to be
only a market wagon, I learned from one of
the men. Nell continued to weep, and I
pressed close to her.

44 ADVENTURES OF

" I take all the blame," I said, in a choked
tone. " I saw you were inclined to the
other road, but I thought my judgment
best."

" We — we did wrong to stop so long at that
spring. Where are they taking us ? "

" Into the bowels of the earth, apparently,"
I whispered, as we descended into darkness so
intense, it seemed to smite our eyes with sud
den blindness. It grew lighter again, and in a
few minutes we came out on a low ridge. We
crossed it riding single file, and the sound of
falling water penetrated the silence. It swelled
to a roar as we advanced, the forest grew
thinner, starlight prevaded the gloom with pale
radiance. The road shelved down again, and
before us rose a pile of buildings — an old saw
mill with a pond behind it, and a water-wheel.
In the open ground before the mill a camp-fire
still burned low, its glowing coals half covered
with grey embers. Our captors halted, and we
were told to dismount. A young fellow offered
to assist Nell, but she sprang to the ground

A FAIR REBEL. 45

with such a haughty refusal of his services, that
he fell back, abashed.

The fire was replenished with dry brush
wood brought from the mill, and we sat on a
box near it. The men were not very rude nor
very talkative. They went about, for the most
part, grimly silent. They were rough, but not
really disrespectful to us. An old man came
out of the mill.

" Captain gone to bed ? " inquired one of the
band, lighting a pipe.

" Yes, but he's gittin' up agin."

" How is he?"

" Mendin' very fast, now. What er you all
been up to ?" staring hard at us out of a pair of
blinking, rheumy eyes.

" Tryin' to ketch a man who went t'other
road."

"What for?"

" To git his money and set his niggers free."

" Whar did these young wimmen come
from?"

" They're part o' the old man's property.

46 ADVENTURES OF

They lagged behind, and then tuk the wrong
road at the forks."

The old man rubbed his hands together, the
dry skin on them crackling as he did so, then
he turned and went back into the mill. My
dull eyes followed his bent figure, and I saw
the yellow flickering glow of a candle as he
opened the door. The creaking shutter closed
behind him, but in a few minutes it opened
again, and a far different figure appeared. My
heart thrilled with expectation, with — I know
not what feeling, when I recognized the blue
uniform of a Union soldier. The flame of the
camp-fire threw up the color in bold relief
against the dark building, and also the man
who wore it. He was young and had suffered
recent illness. His clothes hung loosely on
him, his face looked pinched and sunken. But
the fire of his eyes ! What surprise and indig
nation it expressed ! He came straight to the
camp-fire, took ofifhis cloth cap to Nell and me,
then turned to the men.

" What is the meaning of this story old Thur-

A FAIR REBEL. 47

man has been telling me ? Is it true that you
have been planning to rob — rob some travelers ?
that these ladies were captured and brought
here by force ? "

" Nobody has harmed 'em, captain. I wouldn't
touch a hair o' their heads," said the leader, in a
sullen tone, his weather-beaten face turning red.

" I thought you were honest men."

" We've treated you well, sir."

"So you have, my friend. You took me in,
and nursed me through a desperate fever; you've
sheltered and fed me; won my gratitude, my
heart, with your kindness — and to find you
thieves and robbers ! "

He threw up his hand with such a gesture of
pain and contempt that it must have touched
every callous heart in the company.

" Fo'ks mustn't travel through this country
with a lot o' slaves, if they don't want to git in
trouble. We believe in freedom to all, we do."

" So do I, and it will come; it is coming.
Step back to the mill with me, and let us see if
we cannot settle this matter differently."

48 ADVENTURES OF

They all rose and followed him reluctantly,
and we were left alone by the camp-fire.

" What do you suppose they intend to do
with us, Rachel ? " Nell whispered, clinging to
me.

" We are safe," I said, firmly. " He will pro
tect us."

" How do you know ? "

" I cannot tell how I know it, but I do know
it."

And he did. What arguments he used I knew
not then, but presently the men came out,
looking sullen, but ashamed and subdued. Two
of them mounted horses and rode away : the
others set about cooking supper. The soldier
came back to us. I read victory on his brow,
in his eyes — dominant, piercing eyes of dark
gray — and the smile on his lips. He stood bare
headed before us — said:

"It has all been arranged. It will be best
for you to remain here. Two of the men have
gone to meet your friends, for they would nat
urally turn back to search for you."

A FAIR REBEL. 49

I looked up, and eye met eye for a moment,
and in that glance the last doubt perished.

" Believe me, you are safe," he said.

"I do believe it, sir," I replied, speaking to
him for trie first time.

Nell and I both felt that we ought to thank
him, but he put aside our stammering speeches
with some quiet inquiry about the day. The
old man brought out a blanket, folded and
spread it on the ground, and the soldier threw
himself down on it, and I felt certain that he
intended to remain near us until we were once
more with our friends. He might be an enemy
to our country — he was a true friend to us.

I left it to Nell to give a full explanation of
our situation, and the causes leading to it. His
eager attention flattered her; a sparkle of ani
mation kindled in her tear-stained eyes; a flush
rose to her young face. Her tumbled curls
gave only a picturesque touch to her beauty,
and a short, unworthy pang of envy smote my
heart. The soldier looked at her, and I at him.

At first my glances were rather furtive, but,

50 ADVENTURES OF

as he seemed not to notice me, I grew bolder.
His face interested, fascinated me: force of char
acter, power lay behind it. His features were
nobly cut, but his light hair and moustache
contrasted oddly with his brown skin. One
long, thin hand supported his head, and the
firelight played caressingly over him. The
rare glances he gave me seemed to pierce to
the depths of my heart, rousing mysterious
emotions.

I speculated on the probable mission bring
ing him, an officer in the Union army, to this
remote region. Could he be a spy, penetrating
the enemy's country for secret information ?
He wore his uniform boldly, but that he could
safely do in the mountains.

When Nell finished her story, he knew a
good deal about our family — where we had
lived, and where we were going. He uttered
an exclamation when she mentioned Decatur.

" Decatur, Georgia ?" he asked, quickly, a
strange expression on his face.

" Do you know the place ? " I inquired.

A FAIR REBEL. 51

" I — have been there," he said, and fell into
sudden silence, his eyes fixed on the ground.

The mountaineers had baked some hoecakes,
and broiled slices of bacon, and when we were
offered a share of it we gladly accepted, being
very hungry. As the night advanced we were
so overcome with weariness that we consented
to follow the old man Thurman into the mill,
where he made up a bunk for us.

" But what will you do ? " I said to the sol
dier, lingering a moment when he rose to bid
us good-night.

" Remain here, Miss Douglas."

"Will it be safe to expose yourself to the
night-air after your illness ? "

He smiled, bending on me a look of mingled
gratitude and pleasure.

"Thank you for your interest. It is most
kind, but a soldier must be hardened to all
changes of the weather."

###-##

A flash of lights, the tones of a familiar voice
roused us.

52 ADVENTURES OF

" Father!" cried Nell.

I opened my eyes, and saw Uncle Charles
bending over us, tears of relief and joy trick
ling down his bearded cheeks.

A FAIR REBEL. 53

CHAPTER IV.

WE did not part from the gallant soldier un
til noon, next day, for he accompanied us back
to the camp and several miles on our journey,
as far, in fact, as it was safe for him to go in
that uniform.

Uncle Charles did not scold us for our care
lessness — he was too thankful to get us back
again; but shame and self-reproach overcame
us as he told the grief and dismay when we
failed to appear after they went into camp.
Certain that we had taken the wrong road, he
and three trusty, stalwart negroes hastened
back to search for us, leaving the camp in
charge of Alicia and Uncle Ned. His gratitude
to the brave Union officer was unbounded, and
he longed to repay him in some way for his
care of us.

" I must at least have the pleasure of know-

54 ADVENTURES OF

ing your name, and where you are from," he
said.

" Certainly, Mr. Dillingham; Arnold Lam
bert, from New York."

I will pass over our return journey to the
camp, and the extravagant joy manifested on
our arrival.

" How many of those highwaymen did you
shoot, Rachel ? " Alicia inquired, between
laughter and tears, when she embraced me.

I had never so much as thought of my pistol.

I felt loth to part with Arnold Lambert when
he declared that he m^st turn back again. No
man had ever before so mterested me, or ap
peared so heroic in my eyes. I knew nothing
about his life, his family ties, or the state of his
affections, whether bond or free. He preserved
a singular reticence about his own history or
affairs, but I knew him to be a gentleman, and
a strong, brave one.

Fearful that I should betray my feelings, I
held aloof, and he came last to me when bid
ding us good-bye. Did my eyes betray me

A FAIR REBEL. 55

when he took my hand ? his own kindled
warmly ; he pressed my trembling fingers
closely.

" I am so grateful— so grateful ! " I murmur
ed; " and if we never meet again—

" But we shall, we must, meet again," he
said, quickly.

" Oh, do you think so ? But this war—

" If you stop near Decatur I shall see you—
very soon."

I had no time to question him. He was on
his horse in a moment, waved us a last fare
well, and turned away. But the sadness of
parting had left me. He had said we would
meet again very soon.

The remainder of our journey passed without
incident worthy to be chronicled. We were
glad when the end drew near. We passed
through Atlanta early one afternoon, avoiding
the more public streets, and turned into the
Decatur road. It was only a few miles to the
village, and just beyond it home awaited us.
We hurried over those last miles as rapidly as

56 ADVENTURES OF

the jaded horses could travel, and in a short
time were on the outskirts of the plantation.
Everybody felt more or less excited, but the
negroes were nearly beside themselves. The
news of our arrival had preceded us, and while
we were yet a full quarter of a mile away we
heard a murmur of human voices. At first it
was like a whisper on the silent air, but it
swelled tumultuously, swept over and around
us like the waves of a sea. In the distance a
cloud of dust rose from the road, and out of it
came a surging mass of humanity — the slaves
running to meet their friends. The strongest,
fleetest-footed led; the old and feeble tottered
in the rear.

With a great cry, those we had with us leap
ed to meet them; and such a meeting ! They
embraced, they wept, they shouted, and rent
their garments in excess of joy. Parents and
children, husbands and wives, brothers and
sisters were reunited. We stood aloof and
wept in sympathy, that great, overwhelming
joy bearing us away on its high flood-tide.

A FAIR REBEL. $?

CHAPTER V.

WE had been at home two weeks; my uncle
had picked up many of the broken threads of
his life, and we verified a number of childish
memories. Since Uncle Reuben's death the
plantation had been in charge of young Reu
ben Howard, a distant cousin and namesake to
Uncle Reuben. Cousin Reuben was a retiring,
simple-minded little man, with a dignity of
manner which did much for his insignificant
physique. He was as refined and delicate in
his tastes as a woman, and as honorable and
chivalrous as the best example of a knight-
errant. A cleaner-handed, whiter-souled gen
tleman than Cousin Reuben never lived. The
slaves were devoted to him, and when he would
have surrendered the reins of government to
Uncle Charles, he wisely refused to take them.

"What ! would you desert us, Reuben, the
moment we arrive? "

58 ADVENTURES OF

" I have been thinking, sir, that, now my du
ties here are over, I would go into service," he
said, quietly.

" You are not strong enough to endure the
exposure and rough service of a soldier's life."

Reuben flushed sensitively.

" I know I am a weakling when it comes to
physical strength, but the will is strong," lift
ing his eyes, aglow with the fire of an enthusi
ast. "Every man, young and old, will be
needed before the struggle ends. I have hired
a substitute, but —

" Don't go yet," said Alicia, sharp entreaty
in her tone.

" No, no, not yet; we will talk of it next
spring," her father added, with decision.

Reuben said no more, but went about his
daily occupations in his usual quiet, faithful
way. To have another man in the house af
forded us great satisfaction. He soon fell as
meekly under our sway as Uncle Charles, and
was far more amiable in contributing to our
amusement, escorting us to various social gath-

A FAIR REBEL. 59

•erings in the village and round about — our
appearance in the community rousing the hos
pitable instincts of our neighbors, \vellnigh ex
tinguished in the anxieties and terrors of the
war.

On that isolated North Carolina plantation
we had seemed very remote from the war and
its agitating influences. Some of our friends
went away, girding on their swords as knights
bound for a tournament. But in our old home
the deep and tragic meaning of the struggle
was revealed to us. The people around us
lived in a fever of alternate hope and fear, ag
ony and joy. Every movement of the armies,
every battle fought, sent its subtle influence
throughout the country. If the Confederates
won a victory, it was proclaimed aloud from
every house-top, and exulted over; if they
lost, the sound of mourning filled the land. We
caught the prevailing spirit, and outrebeled the
deepest-dyed rebel of them all. We scraped
linen for the hospitals, and, not finding as much
old linen as we desired among our stores, sac-

60 ADVENTURES OF

rificed our dainty chemises and petticoats to
our loyal zeal. Alicia fell to knitting woolen
socks, while Nell and I spent half our time in
the spinning-room with the negro women, pre
paring thread for her. What piles of yarn we
dyed and wound ! Years after, I found some
of those gray balls in the garret, dusty and
moth-eaten.

One Union soldier I could not forget — Ar
nold Lambert. At all hours of the day he
came into my thoughts, and even when most
ardent in my loyalty to our own soldiers, ten
derness and pity for him penetrated my heart.
Occasionally Nell would mention his name,
but no one suspected my abiding interest in
him.

About three weeks after our arrival it was
rumored that we were to have amateur theatri
cals at the Decatur town-hall. A party of At
lanta ladies and gentlemen had formed a
troupe to play in various towns and cities
for the benefit of the soldiers — our soldiers.
Some of these amateurs were nearly as good

A FAIR REBEL. 6l

as professional actors and actresses, and they
had crowded houses wherever they went, not
only from a loyal desire on the part of the peo
ple to help the soldiers, but for the pleasure to
be derived from the entertainment. Nell and
I rode into the village one afternoon and saw
the first playbill stuck in a window. We vis
ited the hall, where a stage was being erected,
and where we learned that a few local musi
cians were to contribute to the entertainment.
These people belonged to the village gentry,
and we had met them at certain parties. When
they invited us to help them out, I was delight
ed. Nell declined, but it was arranged that I
should sing some war ballads.

From that time I ceased to spin yarn or roll
linen, but went about singing, or drummed
for hours on the piano. Aunt Milly cut and
made a new gown for me — a white swiss, crisp
and full-skirted, the sleeveless bodice garnish
ed with a wreath of artificial ivy leaves. Then
the day of the entertainment arrived, and I
went into the village to see about the final ar-

62 ADVENTURES OF

rangements. I went alone, and on horseback,
and returned as the sun declined low in the
west. It was Indian summer, and a violet haze
hung over the fields and softened the brilliant
autumn colors — the scarlet and yellow — of the
woods. Only one house stood between my
uncle's place and the village — a large old man
sion in a grove of oaks. It was not directly on
the public road, but a broad drive led up to the
front gate, then curved around the fence and
through a belt of timber to my uncle's. It was
a short cut, and often traversed by us for that
reason.

I remembered that house in my childhood
as the old Montgomery place. The family
had all died out or moved away, and the house
fell into decay. When we came back we found
that it had been renovated and sold to an At
lanta family, though the original name still
clung to it. A considerable plantation lay
back of it, but the Atlantians did not belong
to the farming fraternity, and the land was
rented to their neighbors. They merely came

A FAIR REBEL. 63

out of the city for the summer. The house had
been shut up ever since our return, and some
times in passing we stopped to gather a few of
the roses blooming so abundantly in the front
yard and in the garden.

That afternoon I turned out of the public
road, intending to stop and pull a handful of
the finest varieties for Alicia and Nell. As I
rode up to the gate, I saw a man standing in
the shadow of a crape-myrtle near it, his arms
folded on the fence. He was in citizen's
clothes, with a broad-brimmed soft hat pulled
well over his face, and a gray military cloak
thrown around his shoulders. He did not see
me until I had drawn very near, then he drew
back with a startled movement, looking full in
my face. A violent trembling seized me in
every limb: I went first white, then deeply red,
my heart wellnigh choking me with its wild
beating, for it was Captain Arnold Lambert.

He recognized me at the same moment,
thrust open the gate, and stepped out with ex
tended hand, and hat off.

64 ADVENTURES OF

" Captain Lambert ! " I faltered.

" I told you that I should see you, Miss
Douglas," smiling and looking at me with an
expression in his eyes before which my heart
thrilled, yet quailed.

" I did not expect it in this way. Is it not
dangerous for you to be here ? " with a sud
den remembrance that he was not for, but
against, us; that he would be hunted down
and captured, if a breath of suspicion got abroad.

" Not unless you betray me."

" Don't speak of that, even in jest, "I said warm
ly. " You are our friend, always our friend."

" May I indeed think so? Will you not
change because I am one of the enemy ? "

He spoke earnestly, sadly, resting his hand on
the horn of my saddle, his eyes raised to mine.

" I wish it were different, that you were one
of us, but I can never regard you as an enemy,
never."

" An enemy to you? I should think not! "
he exclaimed.

Lightfoot pawed the ground impatiently and

A FAIR REBEL. 65

made a step forward. I suddenly dismounted
and threw the bridle over my arm.

" Are you a friend to the people who own
this place, Captain Lambert ? "

" I — once knew them."

" The house is closed, the grounds deserted.
We stop sometimes to gather a few of the
lovely roses — do you think they would care if
they knew ? "

" I know they would not. Come into the
garden with me," he said, eagerly. He looped
Lightfoot's bridle over the gate-post, and we
entered the yard. We walked slowly around
the house and into the garden. A broad walk
divided it down the centre, one-half of the
ground containing dried herbs and the dead
stalks of vegetables, the other filled with with
ered flowers. We went down the walk side by
side, and I tried to make clear the reality of it
to my mind, but it seemed dreamlike. I stole
as many glances as I dared at my companion.
He looked strong, well, and handsome, but
grave, so grave.

5

66 ADVENTURES OF

" Have you fully recovered your health ? " I
softly inquired.

" Yes, thank you; it was only a fever. Will
you have some of these ? " pausing and touch
ing a rose-bush on which a few late scarlet
buds still lingered.

" Yes, please."

What a delicious half-hour it was to me,
walking about that old garden with Arnold
Lambert, listening dreamily to the sound of his
voice, meeting his kind, soft glances ! The sun
went down, pungent odors rose from the moist
earth, a frosty chill pierced the air. Captain
Lambert would have cut every rose in the gar
den, but I protested against it — entreated so
earnestly that he stopped. I had told him
about the entertainment, and that I should
sing. I blushed as I betrayed that vanity, but
he did not seem amused.

" Must you go now ? " he said, as I riioved
again toward the gate.

" It is growing late, and you are to go with
me. Uncle Charles — my cousins, will be very
glad to see you."

A FAIR REBEL. 67

"I thank you very much, but I leave this
part of the country again to-night."

" You can at least take supper with us? "

" Miss Douglas, it would not be safe."

The implied doubt of our good faith cut me
to the heart.

"Do you think we would betray you?" I
said, in a choked tone, pain and anger strug
gling, each, for the mastery over me.

"God forbid! Such a mean doubt I could
not entertain ! " he cried. " You misunderstand
me; but think if others should come in, of the
servants, even. Do you think I would hesitate,
otherwise? No, no."

I was appeased, and begged him not to go
beyond the gate with me, trembling for his
safety the moment I knew he considered it wise
to keep aloof from people, but he walked up that
shadowy drive through the woods with me. He
led my horse, I carried the roses, their fra
grance spreading about us. We stepped slow
ly along, but talked hurriedly, as people con
scious of being pressed for time. Once he said:

68 ADVENTURES OF

"Should a man follow duty under all cir
cumstances ? "

"/ believe so," I said, unhesitatingly, as the
ignorant often speak.

" But if, to do so, he must sacrifice his home,
his kindred, love — everything most dear to
him ? "

11 He will be all the nobler."

He turned, looked searchingly into my face,
then glanced backward at the silent house we
were leaving. I felt some mystery underlay
his words, but refrained from questioning him
too closely.

" You are troubled," I said, softly.

" I am, "he acknowledged, and sighed heavily.

" Can I help you ? "

" No, your sympathy would be sweet. Be
yond that no one can help me." He turned
again toward me, a smile banishing the gloom
from his face. The stern lines of his features
melted to tenderness, his eyes softened mar-
velously. Was it for me alone, or only a trib
ute to all women ? " Thank you for this half-

A FAIR REBEL. 69

hour. I shall carry the memory of it back to
camp with me."

" Shall I tell any one that I have seen
you ? "

" Do as you think best. I trust you fully."

" You — you really leave to-night ? "

" Yes, my leave has expired."

1 looked at him through the gathering dusk,
and knew that it was more than friendship
which had drawn us together. His eyes dwelt
on me lingeringly — I felt that I could not part
from him.

" This is really farewell, then ? " I said, as
steadily as I could.

" Not if I live, and you do not forbid me to
come again." His glance fell on the rose I had
fastened in the breast of my habit. " Give it to
me as a token that I may come again."

With trembling fingers I loosened it and laid
it in his hand. It was our farewell. He assisted
me to mount, and raised his hat and bowed as I
rode by. I would not look back, for fear he
might see the tears on my cheeks. Just why I

70 ADVENTURES OF

wept I could scarcely tell. It seemed some
what in pity for myself, for him, and for the
sadness over all the country.

I did not tell any one at home that I had
seen him.

A FAIR REBEL. /I

CHAPTER VI.

WE had a full audience at the hall that night,
though it seemed strange to see so few young
men in the gathering. Here and there could
be seen a gray uniform, but old men — planters —
with their wives and daughters, and the village
people, made up the audience. Around the
doors crowds of boys had collected. I was in
troduced to the members of the Atlanta Com
pany when I went behind the scenes, and very
cordially greeted. As only a few of them ap
pear in this chronicle it is unnecessary to say
very much about them.

Mr., and Mrs. Ladislaw and Elinor Sims were
the ones who interested me most deeply on first
sight. He was a big, genial-looking man with
a rich bass voice, and the gift of inspiring the
faintest-hearted and most cowardly with confi
dence and nerve. He managed the whole

72 ADVENTURES OF

troupe, and did it as no other man could, be
sides sustaining a brilliant part on the stage.
His resources were varied, his tongue ever
ready. That subtle power we call personal
magnetism he possessed to a wonderful degree.
He was a good actor and a good musician. He
could improvise beautifully and sing with such
thrilling expression and effect that he could
move an audience to laughter or to tears with
the greatest ease. He had the voice and the
dramatic ability to become a famous singer, but
a different fate was in store for him.

Mary Ladislaw was a delicate-looking, rather
quiet woman, but plenty of endurance and ner
vous force lay under that subdued exterior.
She was thoroughly in sympathy with her hus
band. They had no children, so she devoted
herself to him and the Confederate soldiers.
They were her children and her heroes, and
for them she would have worked like a slave.
She was passionately loyal, but not bitter. Her
nature was too tender and sympathetic for ran
cor to find lodgment in it. Poor Mary Ladislaw !

A FAIR REBEL. 73

I did not learn all this in that first evening.
It was after intimate acquaintance that I learned
to know those two so well.

Elinor Sims was a girl a year or two older
than myself. She was tall and rather proud-
looking, but really very approachable and
friendly. All Southern men and women who
were true to the Rebel cause were brothers
and sisters in those days. Strangers soon be
came intimate friends, bound together by a
common interest. Miss Sims and I sat on a
box behind the scenes and talked in a frank
and friendly spirit. When she went on the
stage I watched her from the wing, admiring
her attitudes and gestures intensely. Her act
ing was both spirited and natural, and I felt
that my country training had not prepared me
to take any part in plays. I knew nothing of
amateur theatricals beyond the simple, old-
fashioned charades suitable for the parlor. They
played a little drama adapted from an old
French play, and it was both pathetic and
humorous. There was a paucity of scenery, and

74 ADVENTURES OF

the curtain sometimes refused to come down at
the right moment, but the delighted audience
did not pay the slightest attention to those little
drawbacks.

Between the first and second acts I was called
upon to sing. The actors had changes to make
in their toilettes, and some new scenery had to
be arranged. Mr. Ladislaw led me out before
the curtain, then disappeared. I had never sung
before a larger audience than a parlor full of
people, and to meet the gaze of so many un
familiar eyes made me palpitate with fear. But
the sight of the anxious, doubtful faces of my
relatives restored composure, and without ac
companiment I began singing that dolorous
ballad called " Lorena." It was very popular
at that time with soldier and civilian, and was
sung even in the negro cabins. The hearts of
the people were easily touched, and silence fell
upon my audience as I warbled about the woes
of " Lorena," throwing all the tenderness and
expression that I could into my voice. I really
felt a good deal of it. I had been deeply dis-

A FAIR REBEL. 75

turbed by that meeting with Captain Lambert
and the way we had parted. My thoughts
dwelt constantly on the uncertainties of a sol
dier's life, and the song affected me to tears,
though I kept my voice steady. My emotion
communicated itself to the audience, and a few
melancholy, hysterical women wept aloud in a
gentle way.

I do not like to think now how lackadaisical
I must have looked, but the sentiment seemed
to suit the time and people. Loud applause
followed me when I withdrew behind the cur
tain. Mr. Ladislaw hurried to me.

" It was very successful, very," he said hearti
ly. " You have made a hit."

" I acted like a simpleton," I said, the senti
mental mood already passing away.

" Oh, no. You sang with feeling, with fine
expression. We must have you in our troupe.
We are not quite ready for the second act.
Our scenery insists on falling to pieces, and
some of the costumes have gone astray. Will
you not go on and sing something else ? "

? ADVENTURES OF

" Do, Miss Douglas," cried Mrs. Ladislaw,
coming out of a dressing-room with her mouth
full of pins and a long silk gown over her arm.
" Elinor has lost her wig and we must powder
the old one."

Flattered by the appreciation of the audience,
and feeling that I could really be of service by
filling up the time, I went back on the stage
blushing and courtesying. As I raised my
eyes they fell on a tall gray-cloaked figure
standing back in shadow near the door, and I
recognized Captain Lambert. Dizziness came
over me. I caught my breath in a gasp, feel
ing only extreme terror that he should so reck
lessly expose himself to detection and capture.
His black broad-brimmed hat shielded his face,
and when I had time to observe that no one
paid the slightest attention to him, my courage
revived. His presence soothed, yet agitated
me. I was conscious of a feeling of satisfaction
that he should see me in evening dress, and
looking my bravest and best, even in the midst
of a tumult of other emotions. How I longed

A FAIR REBEL. 77

to stretch out my hands across that throng to
him ! The words of an old ballad, learned from
my mother in childhood, came back to my
memory, and, looking at that motionless figure,
feeling the influence of the eyes watching me
from under that disguising hat, I sang:

" ' Farewell, farewell,' is a lonely sound

And often brings a sigh;

But the heart feels most when the lips move not
And the eyes speak a gentle ' good-bye.'

" ' Adieu, adieu,' will do for the gay
When pleasure's throng is nigh;
But give to me that better word
That comes from the heart, ' good-bye.' "

The curtain, after various hitches, had gone
down for the last time, and actors and audience
mingled in a social half-hour's talk. Uncle
Charles, beaming with hospitality, went about
asking various members of the troupe to be
come his guests for the night, and he secured
one of the gentlemen. I wandered about in a
fever of excitement, wondering if Captain Lam-

78 ADVENTURES OF

bert still lingered in the hall, yet not daring to
go near the door for fear of betraying him.
Miss Sims and I were standing together when
she missed her brooch.

" I will go behind the scenes and look for it,"
I said, eager to get away to myself a few
minutes.

" I will go with you. I had it while dressing.
It must be with my things."

We ran up to the stage and vanished behind
the curtain. A ghostly twilight reigned, the
white sheets dividing the dressing-rooms sway
ing to and fro. Hampers of stage-clothing
were scattered about the floor; tin swords, de
canters, and drinking-cups were thrown care
lessly together. A passage-way opened be
tween the dressing-rooms, and we were entering
it, Miss Sims a little in advance, when a man
stepped out before us. He did not see me, or,
seeing, did not recognize me, muffled in cloak
and hood. His eyes were on Miss Sims; he
held out his hands to her.

" Dear Elinor ! "

A FAIR REBEL. 79

"Arnold!" she cried, fear, doubt, passionate
joy in her tone. She threw her arms about
him, her face against his shoulder.

I silently retreated, leaving them alone.

80 ADVENTURES OF

CHAPTER VII.

THINK you I slept that night ? Not enough
for the most fleeting dream. All the way
home my cousins talked of the play and the
players, appealing to me when they failed to be
satisfied with their own opinions. I gave only
random replies. Their cheerful voices, their
arguments over trivial details, tortured me.
Why could they not divine my feelings, and
keep silent, or at least not expect me to join in
the conversation ? Yet, had they suspected
the state of my mind, I would have been cover
ed with shame.

"What is the matter, Rachel? are you
sleepy ? " inquired Alicia, when I merely mut
tered a reply to some question she asked.

" She is so puffed up with pride over her suc
cess this evening that she cannot any longer
notice common folks," said Nell, mockingly.

A FAIR REBEL. 8l

"Perhaps Rachel is thinking of joining
this company," said Cousin Reuben's gentle
voice.

" Yes, I am," I said hastily, heedlessly catch
ing at the suggestion.

Consternation held my cousins silent for a few
minutes, then a perfect avalanche of exclama
tions and questions poured upon me.

As we passed the old Montgomery place I
pressed my face against the carriage window,
but darkness hid all except the outlines of the
house from my gaze. I thought of the garden
lying cold and deserted, the rose-bushes strip
ped of their last lovely blooms. Pain and rage
convulsed me; I hated Captain Lambert at that
moment. When we reached home the carriage
was sent back for my uncle and his guest, who
had to stay at the hall long enough to pack his
stage wardrobe. I fled to my room, but there
encountered my two old servants, who were
sitting up for me. Uncle Ned laid fresh logs
on the fire, and snuffed the candles, while Aunt
Milly took off my wraps.

82 ADVENTURES OF

" Honey, you do look mighty pale," she ex
claimed anxiously.

" I 'spect she tuk a chill in dem t'in no-
count clo'es," said old Ned, eying my bare
neck and arms with disapproval. "Did you
have a good time, Miss Rachel, honey ? "

" Yes— no — I cannot tell you to-night, Uncle
Ned."

"Don't you see she's wore out an' sleepy?
Go 'long, Ned, an' don't ax no more questions,"
said Aunt Milly, sharply.

He shuffled reluctantly to the door.

" I 'spect you is tired, Miss Rachel?"

" I am," I said, absently.

He went out and closed the door.

" Now, honey, you gwine to git in bed, and
kivered up dis minute. Dese arms o' yourn
feel lack dcy'd been fros'bitten," said Aunt
Milly, imperiously.

I submitted passively to her nimble old fin
gers, knowing that it would be the best way to
get rid of her, and she soon had my finery off,
and my hair brushed. 1 crept into the soft,

A FAIR REBEL. 83

high bed, and she tucked the white, chilly
sheets around me, smoothing and patting the
pillows until they were arranged to her satis
faction. I watched her as she moved softly
about the room, setting it in order, muttering
and nodding her turbaned head, as she noted
the creases in my new gown. Finally she put
out the candles, and disappeared. The moment
she closed the door, I flung off the covering,
and got out of bed. At last I was alone, and
could beat my breast, or writhe and weep in
impotent rage or anguish. While driving home
it had seemed to me that I must give some vent
to my feelings, or perish; yet, now that the ne
cessity for self-control had been removed, I no
longer felt any desire to weep. The violence
of my emotion had spent itself; only a dull
sense of loss and pain made my heart ache.

My thoughts were clear, quickened by the
smart of wounded pride; all the faculties of my
mind seemed unusually alert and active.

I sat down before the fire, and reviewed
every moment of my acquaintance with Arnold

84 ADVENTURES OF

Lambert, every word he had said to me, every
glance given. I could not believe him capable
of any desire to trifle with me. Such a doubt
seemed so unworthy of him and of myself that
I rejected it at once. I had simply misunder
stood his advances, believed him in love with
me, when he merely felt a friendly interest.
Vanity, and my own tenderness of heart tow
ard him, had led me astray. T.o acknowledge
that as the true explanation was the most bit
ter and humiliating experience of my hitherto
superficial life. To recognize myself as a woman
loving, but unloved, smote my pride to the
quick, for I did love him — I knew it by every
pang I suffered.

No wonder he was troubled as he walked in
that garden with me. He was thinking of
Elinor Sims. He had talked to me simply be
cause he craved sympathy, and chance had
thrown me in his way. I could not but pity
those lovers, separated by such diverse opin
ions: one loyal to the Union, the other bound
to the Confederate cause. Sympathy and jeal-

A FAIR REBEL. 85

ousy each struggled for the mastery over me,
as I recalled that unexpected meeting behind
the stage. It was for a glimpse of her that he
exposed himself to the danger of recognition.
I cowered in the chair, and hid my face. How
I had poured out my heart to him in that song !

I am conscious how incoherent this part of
my story is, but I cannot, even now, recall the
thoughts and impressions of that night with
any clearness of recollection. They seemed
vivid enough at the time, but afterward became
merely a series of keen sensations.

I dwell on the experience because it changed
my life. Instead of dreaming dreams over the
old romances of poets and novelists, I henceforth
lived realities. I struck down into depths of na
ture hitherto unknown to me, and came up with
clearer views and steadier purpose. The care
less girl no longer existed. A resolute woman
had replaced her.

The firelight faded; gray ashes covered the
dying coals. The room grew chilly; a pale
beam from the rising moon shone across the

86 ADVENTURES OF

floor. I had never been up so late alone, and
the silence of the house impressed me with its
likeness to death. I went back to bed, but not
to sleep. It seemed to me that I could never
sleep again until I had planned my future. To
live quietly on in my uncle's house seemed im
possible. I must turn my back on idleness and
ease, if I would conquer myself. I thought of
those amateur actors, of their self-sacrifices and
hard work. I resolved to join them if they would
accept my services. But could I meet Elinor
Sims day after day, be thrown into intimate
relations with her, and not become unjustly
bitter in my feelings ? The experiment would
do no harm.

I went down to breakfast next morning quite
strong and composed, upheld by my new res
olutions. A bath and a turn in the open air
had removed all trace of the sleepless night,
but I felt so changed inwardly, I wondered that
no one observed it in my face. Our guest proved
to be a very agreeable young man from New
Orleans, an officer in the Confederate service.

A FAIR REBEL. 87

He had been wounded, and while on furlough
identified himself with the Amateurs, composing
music for them, and extracting a good deal of
pleasure out of the social life gathered about
them. Lieutenant Devreau was of French
descent, and a brave - spirited young fellow.
My cousin Nell coquetted with him at the
breakfast-table, and when the meal was over
they strolled into the garden. I followed Uncle
Charles to his study, and without any preamble
made known my desire to join the Amateurs.
He refused to listen to me, at first.

" You have as great a thirst for adventure as
a boy, Rachel; I thought your experiences in
the mountains would satisfy you."

" On the contrary, they created a desire for
more."

"It is not proper for a young woman to be
gadding about the world unprotected."

" I can have a companion."

"Are you displeased with your home,
child?"

"Oh, no ! " I cried.

ADVENTURES OF

"Then be contented to remain in it. You
can find plenty to do."

" For my country ? "

" Your country will not miss your services,"
smiling slightly.

His determined opposition only settled me
more strongly in my purpose to leave. I argued
and pleaded, but he held out against me. Then
in despair I resolved to take him partly into
my confidence. I approached his chair, leaned
over his shoulder, and, in a low tone, said:

" I — I must go, Uncle Charles. I need a
change — the opportunity to forget."

" Eh ? What ? Forget ? Do you mean to say
that — that you are in love ? " wheeling around
to stare at my burning face, the last word uttered
in a shocked whisper.

I bowed in mute assent. He started up.
"But— but this will never do. Who is it?
Where does he live ? Gad, Rachel ! why don't
you marry him ? "

I grew more and more scarlet, regretting that
I had betrayed myself to him.

A FAIR REBEL. 89

" He does not love me."

" Oh ! Well, well ! I'd make him love you,
if I could. My dear Rachel, my poor child."
He pulled his beard unmercifully in his distress.
" You shall go to-day, if you wish. I'll arrange
it with the Ladislaws. Nice woman, don't you
think so ? Kind and sympathetic."

' ' If you say a word to her, Uncle Charles—

" Oh, certainly not, if you don't wish me.
You are looking pale this morning. Now don't
fret yourself any more. No man is worth a sigh
or a tear. I'm afraid I've been a poor guardian,
a poor guardian to you, Rachel."

I could not forbear smiling.

" Dear Uncle Charles, you can guard my
property and my person, but my heart — well,
I think that is beyond your control."

" I suppose it is. Does he — does he live
here ? or is it somebody—

" Please don't ask me," I cried, entreatingly.

" I won't, then; there, there, it doesn't make
any difference where he lives, or what his name
is. He is a fool not to love you, Rachel — an

90 ADVENTURES OF

imbecile; that is all I have got to say about
it."

I had no idea my uncle would take so much
interest in the matter. I knew he believed it
to be the duty, the sacred duty, of every woman
to marry. We had been brought up in that
faith, as it were, and he often hinted that Alicia
and I were letting our best chances slip by re
maining single beyond the age of twenty-one,
but I did not realize that he would feel so
warmly over the state of my heart. I was em
barrassed and distressed. It was plain that he
would like to proclaim the state of my affec
tions from the house-top, pointing a finger of
scorn and derision at the foolish man who did
not love me. He wanted to tell him what he
thought of him — hold him up to the ridicule of
the country. I then and there decided that an
elderly guardian and relative was not the one
for a girl to confide her sentimental secrets to,
and I have not yet had cause to change my
mind.

It was a week before I left home, and during

A FAIR REBEL. 91

that time Uncle Charles kept me in a state of
constant terror with his solicitude and thinly
veiled sympathy.

" What dark secrets are you and father keep
ing between you ? " Nell inquired.

" Secrets, Nell! what nonsense!" he ex
claimed hastily, looking provokingly guilty.
" I am only anxious about — about Rachel's
health."

She stared incredulously at me, and I blushed
scarlet with vexation.

"Her health?" she said, deliberately. "I
never saw Rachel looking better. Are you
wasting away inwardly, my dear girl ? "

" I wish you would leave me alone," I ex
claimed, angrily, and left the room.

But all heartburning and annoyance had
passed away the morning I bade my relatives
good-bye and set my face toward a broader
life, more stirring scenes. We traveled to At
lanta in a private conveyance. My two old
servants accompanied me, and Uncle Charles
did not leave me until he saw me comfortably

92 ADVENTURES OF

established in the same house with the Ladis-
laws. My suite of rooms came next to theirs,
and they promised to protect and watch over
me as long1 as I should remain with them.

That evening I went to the rehearsal of
" The Soldier's Wife," a play written for the
Amateurs. I was given a small part in it — one
where no speaking was required — and felt that
I was fairly launched on my new career.

A FAIR REBEL. 93

CHAPTER VIII.

THE only theatre in Atlanta at that time
was the Athenaeum. It was small, had no pri
vate boxes, and the stage was rather deficient
in scenery. But it was the first real theatre I
had ever entered, and the drop-curtain and
scenic effects looked rather splendid in my
rustic eyes. The rehearsal took place at the
theatre, a few friends of the players sitting in
the dimly lighted auditorium until it was over.
"The Soldier's Wife" has, doubtless, long
since been forgotten, except by a few; but it
was a drama exactly suited to the time and
circumstances, therefore very popular. It was
full of pathetic scenes, and appealed strongly
to the emotional side of one's nature. I remem
ber that war-hardened soldiers wept over it,
but the mercurial Southern temperament is

94 ADVENTURES OF

subject to quick changes from mirth to grief,
then back to mirth again.

My heart throbbed with excitement at the
thought of meeting Elinor Sims again. I won
dered what she would say to me, and decided,
through a mixture of pique and generosity,
that she should not explain that meeting with
Captain Lambert. It would save her the em
barrassment of telling me what I already
knew — that he was her lover — and also save me
the pain of hearing that acknowledgment. On
my part she should never know that I had met
him, unless he told her.

She met me with heightened color, and, as
soon as the ordinary words of greeting were
over, referred to that night in Decatur.

''You — why did you withdraw so quickly?
I wanted to introduce you to — Captain Lambert.
It was such a surprise to me to see him there,
and he— -

" Please do not tell me about it," I hastily
interrupted her to say.

" We had only a few minutes together."

A FAIR REBEL. 95

" I know."

" You — have heard ? "

" Yes, yes; all that I wish to know," I said,
with unintentional rudeness.

She flushed and bit her lip, evidently wound
ed, then walked away. I followed her.

" I beg your pardon," I said, gently; " I did
not intend to speak so bluntly; I only wanted
to save you the pain of explaining to a stranger,
and — and—

" I understand how you feel," she said, sad
ly; and we dropped the subject, never to refer to
it again, though we became very good friends.

She lived in the city with her grandfather
and widowed mother, and I heard that she
had a brother — Lieutenant Edgar Sims — in the
army.

From this point my life seemed to suddenly
broaden, like a full stream finding an outlet. I
was enthusiastically interested in the work of
the Amateurs, and, for the sake of aiding them
all that I could, hired a music teacher, devot
ing several hours a day to practice. I also

96 ADVENTURES OF

learned to value the possession of money. It
had always come as a matter of course to me
to live in ease and have my servants. I did not
think about it, and the word " poverty" held
no special meaning for me; but when I realized
the suffering of the soldiers, and saw in many
instances the destitution of their families, I felt
like giving away all I possessed. I drew so
heavily on Uncle Charles that he came up to
Atlanta in alarm, to see how I spent so much
money.

Mrs. Ladislaw promised to look more care
fully after my expenditures, and when he went
away she came into my room to caution me
against too lavish a charity:

" Give all that you can without impoverish
ing yourself. If you become destitute you will
be an object of charity yourself. You cannot
work. You have never been trained to any
bread-winning trade."

" But if the war goes against us, if we are
defeated, it will be work then, will it not ? " I
said.

A FAIR REBEL. 97

" I do not know; time enough to think of
that."

" And look at this."

I seized the latest issue of the Intelligencer,
the principal Atlanta paper, and spread it be
fore her, pointing out certain appeals to the
wealthy people of the city — of the whole coun
try — to come to the relief of the half-naked,
half-starved soldiers, fighting on the northern
frontiers.

Her sensitive lip quivered with pain; she
averted her eyes from the paper.

" I know it is hard to close one's hand against
such pitiful needs."

" You do not close yours," I said, softly:
''you give all that you have — money, time,
love. Let me do the same."

" You are a rebel after my own heart, Ra
chel; but I fear that if you do not restrain this
generous spirit your uncle will take you away
from us."

That alarmed me, and I reluctantly promised
to be more careful; but my pockets were stuff-

98 ADVENTURES OF

ed with crisp new Confederate bills, and when
she went away I put on my bonnet and man
tilla, and calling my servants went out through
the city to distribute the money. My charity
was not all pure generosity. I don't think I
should have given away gold so lavishly, but
a few far-seeing men had said that the day
would come when Confederate money would
not be worth the paper it was printed on. To
keep it seemed foolish to me, then; particular
ly as it brought immediate relief to those in
need.

I never went out alone. If I did not go with
some of my new friends, Uncle Ned and Aunt
Milly accompanied me, pacing solemnly along
at a respectful distance in the rear. We often
visited the hospitals, but they could never
overcome their terror at the sight of dead
or wounded men. " Miss Rachel, honey, dis
ain't no place for you. Come away, for de
Lawd's sake," they would plead, hovering
around the door, unwilling to enter, but more
unwilling that I should go in alone. Often I

A FAIR REBEL. 99

had to cover my face with my mantle to shut
out some harrowing sight — a ghastly face,
drawn with intense suffering; a mutilated body
writhing convulsively — but my nerves were un
usually strong for a delicately nurtured young
woman, and the pleasure my visits gave those
poor, brave fellows, lingering on the outer verge
of life, gave me courage. Afterward I put
that training to better service.

In strange contrast to these hospital scenes
were the evenings spent at the theatre, playing
my little part in "The Soldier's Wife," and
singing war ballads between the acts; or, if not
at the theatre, then in some parlor where social
life still ran gaily on the surface, and men and
women met in brave attire.

The war was always the chief topic of con
versation at these social gatherings, and any
one who could bring the latest news from camp
was made a hero.

The Amateurs were going on a little tour in
December, and a few days before their depart
ure they were given a reception and ball by

100 ADVENTURES OF

one of the wealthiest families in the city. Never
had I looked on so brilliant a scene. Our
country dances were insignificant in compar
ison. The house was brilliantly illuminated,
and fragrant with flowers. Officers in uniform
mingled with the more soberly clad civilians,
and the women, young and old, were in their
best apparel. Few grave faces were present.
Pleasure, wit, gaiety, reigned, on the surface at
least. It seemed that for a few hours, if no
more, everybody had determined to throw off
the gloom and fear brooding over the country.
Spirits held in sad subjection cast off their
fetters; eyes familiar with tears flashed bril
liantly; lips used to sighs curved in laughter.
We danced with unwearied feet.

The night was waning. Supper was over
and the last set had formed a stately Virginia
reel. The musicians were playing a few intro
ductory strains, when the slow, steady tramp
of weary feet sounded on the pavement outside,
and " Maryland, My Maryland," sung by manly
voices grown faint from hunger and fatigue,

A FAIR REBEL. IOI

penetrated the warm, fragrant rooms. Silence
fell upon the company. The dance music
ceased, and men and women crowded to the
doors and windows. It was only a company
returning from some hard campaign. Their
clothes were in rags: they marched slowly, too
footsore and worn to make much progress. At
last they were gone. Only the tread of a soli
tary sentinel made active life in the street, but
through the air still pulsed the sorrowful strains
of " Maryland, My Maryland," sung in husky
undertones.

A hand fell on my shoulder. I turned and
looked into Mary Ladislaw's eyes, dim with tears.

"Oh, the poor fellows, the brave heroes ! and
we were trying to forget them. Come away,
Rachel."

I snatched the roses from my breast and
threw them to the ground.

" I will never dance again while this cruel
war lasts," I said, in choking tones.

The lights looked dim, the flowers withered.
In silence the company dispersed.

102 ADVENTURES OF

CHAPTER IX.

OF that tour I hold some very pleasant recol
lections. Everywhere the Amateurs played to
full and appreciative audiences, and we were
entertained in the most hospitable manner.
The fact that it was a charitable organization,
working for the soldiery of the country, opened
the most tightly closed purses. We played in
Augusta, Charleston, and all the principal
towns along the route.

Mr. Ladislaw, always the moving spirit, the
universal genius of the company, would rarely
have two programmes alike. He was remark
ably gifted in the quickness and grace with
which he could turn the simplest prose into
rhyme, and no more gratifying thing could he
do than to sing the telegraphic reports from
the army as they came in. It was a novel way
to announce the progress of a battle, our vie-

A FAIR REBEL. 103

tories or defeats. I've seen an audience sit in
breathless silence during one of those musical
recitals and then bring down the roof, almost,
with applause if the tidings were glad, or groan
and weep if they were sorrowful. He was al
ways in communication with the various armies,
and often, during an engagement, telegrams
were brought to the theatre or hall to him. A
victory he sang in glad triumphant strains, a
defeat in minor tones.

We have sat behind the scenes and trembled
and cried with grief or joy under the influence
of his singing, as much as the audience.

Lieutenant Devreau had obtained a longer
leave from his post, and traveled with us. Be
fore we left Atlanta I knew that Elinor Sims
was the attraction keeping him with the Ama
teurs, but his devotion became very evident
while we were on the road. It did not surprise
me that he should fall in love with her, but I
was surprised and indignant at the encourage
ment she gave him. I tried to think that it was
nothing to me; that if Arnold Lambert could

104 ADVENTURES OF

not take care of his own interests, it was not
my place to interfere. But her faithlessness
roused mingled feelings of contempt and satis
faction in my heart. It gave me a kind of
pleasure to think how much truer I was to him —
I, who had never won his love — than she who
had pledged her word.

I held as much aloof from her as circum
stances would permit, and grew so cold in man
ner that she noticed it. She was of a frank and
tender nature, and, fearing that she had unwit
tingly offended me, came to me apart one even
ing and said :

" Are you angry with me, Rachel ? "

The question so sweetly and kindly asked
confused me. I blushed and hung my head
like a culprit, instead of holding it high in con
scious rectitude while I read her a lecture on
the faithlessness of her conduct.

" Oh, no; why do you think so ? "

" You have been so cold and silent."

"You must be mistaken."

" I think I am, now," laughing. " We are

A FAIR REBEL. IO5

egotistical creatures. I have been fancying
that you were offended with me, when you
have been simply absorbed in your own affairs,
and not giving me a thought."

If I had only met her frankness half way, but
I was too cowardly. I had closed her confi
dences to me about Captain Lambert, and it
seemed impossible for me to mention his name
to her now. It would be taking a liberty, and
then I feared to betray my own interest in him.
It is so much easier at times to play the hypo
crite than to speak the truth to our friends that
I think we are all more or less tempted to that
course. We often call this silence charity, when
it concerns the faults of others, and plume our
selves on being so generous, when, in reality,
our feelings are the reverse of generous.

I no longer held aloof from Elinor, but I con
tinued to feel secretly bitter and contemptuous
toward her, while I pitied Lieutenant Devreau.
He was chivalrous and highly honorable, and
had the utmost faith in her. His ideas of women
were rather strict and frankly expressed. I

106 ADVENTURES OF

often heard him say that the smallest breach of
faith in a woman was unpardonable. He thought
women should be as exact and straightforward
as men, and to excuse deceit or carelessness in
them as amusing little weaknesses would be
impossible for him.

Elinor would heartily agree with him, not
even so much as changing color over her own
duplicity. Her power of concealment amazed
me. Did she feel so secure, or so conscience
less ? Sometimes I was half tempted to regard
that meeting of hers with Arnold Lambert as
a phantasm of my own mind, but I had seen her
in his arms, had heard him call her name in a
passionately tender tone. I did not intend to
play the spy on Elinor and her new lover, but
when in their presence, my eyes seemed sharp
ened to such keenness of vision, all my senses
were so alert, that I could not help seeing and
understanding even the swiftest glances ex
changed between them.

Under any other circumstances I should have
felt the keenest delight in this love-affair, but

A FAIR REBEL. 1O7

as it was, it kept me in a state of suppressed
rage and disgust.

We were in Augusta when the summons for
him to return to his duties in the army came.
It was not time for the play to begin and he
walked across the deserted stage with the
crumpled telegram in his hand. I stood in the
wing, a long cloak covering my evening dress.
The lights were turned very low, but as he ap
proached me I read the evil tidings in his
downcast face and dejected walk. I pitied him.

" Miss Douglas, has Miss Sims arrived yet ?"
he inquired.

" She is in the dressing-room. Shall I call her ? "

" Thank you, please do; I must go away in
an hour."

" Leave us?"

" Yes," sighing heavily. " I have neglected
my duty too long as it is."

I met Elinor coming from the dressing-room.
Lieutenant Devreau had followed me, and
glancing over my shoulder she was startled at
the look upon his face. Her cheeks paled under

108 ADVENTURES OF

their stage paint and powder; dread flashed in
to her eyes.

" What is the matter, Royal ? " she faltered.

" Can you not guess, my darling ? I must
leave to-night, within an hour, for camp again.
I ought to have gone a month ago."

Neither of them seemed to heed my presence.
He drew her back within the shadow of the
scenery, his arms about her.

"If we could only be married before I go,"
he said, in trembling tones. " You would not
refuse if you were at home, would you, Elinor ? "

" No, no," she whispered.

11 My own dear love ! "

The murmur of their voices followed me as I
stole away. I wondered, bitterly, if she remem
bered that interview with Captain Lambert in
the Decatur town-hall.

She was a strong, brave girl. She bade her
lover good-bye, dried her eyes, and played her
part that evening as brilliantly as ever. I
watched her closely and could but acknowledge
that she won my reluctant admiration.

A FAIR REBEL.

CHAPTER X.

IT was in February that I returned home on
a visit. To realize the changes wrought by con
tact with the world, and travel, it is necessary
to return to the familiar surroundings of one's
former life. The months of my absence were
so crowded with experiences they were like
years to me, but they might have passed as one
day in my uncle's household. Nothing on the
plantation had visibly changed except the sea
son. The field-hands went out to their work
at dawn, clearing new land and breaking up
the old soil, preparing to plant the crops. The
house-women spent the days in the workroom
spinning and weaving, and teaching the older
children, who were to become house-servants,
how to sew. It was all the same, just the same
as when I went away. The revolutions tearing
the country asunder were scarcely felt in this

TIO ADVENTURES OF

household. My uncle still fully believed that
the Confederate cause would be triumphant,
and planted his cotton fields and counted his
small store of gold, confident that he would
add to it at the end of the year.

After the excitement of talking over my ad
ventures while away, had passed, I had -time
to look more carefully about me, and to detect
changes too subtle for superficial observation.
Cousin Reuben was making preparations to go
away. He had enlisted in a new company just
forming, and they expected to enter the regular
service some time in March. That he should go
about absorbed and grave seemed natural, but
my cousin Alicia I could not understand. The
serenity of her disposition seemed to have dis
appeared. One hour she would be unnaturally
gay, the next, sunk in deep gloom. She would
blush and tremble at the sound of an unexpect
ed footstep, and once I discovered her in tears.
She had fallen away until her cheeks were hol
low, and she seemed plainer than ever. 1
fancied she looked taller, too, and drooped

A FAIR REBEL. Ill

more as she walked. No one seemed to notice
the change in her, and I cautiously questioned
Nell.

" Has Alicia been ill?"

"111? no," she said in surprise. " Why do
you ask that ? "

" She looks pale and thin."

" She was never fat and blooming."

" She is not — she cannot be in love ? "

" Alicia in love ! Oh, Rachel, don't let your
imagination run away with you," and Nell
laughed loudly. " Alicia is the least senti
mental creature I ever met."

" There you are entirely mistaken," I cried.

"Why, she is a born old maid; you know
she has been one all her life. I see her in the
yard. She is coming in, and I think I must
tell her what you have said."

" Oh, pray don't ! " I exclaimed, but she broke
from my detaining hand and ran to the door.

"Alicia, Alicia!"

"What is it, Nell ?" pausing at the door.

" Rachel says that you are in love."

112 ADVENTURES OF

"I did not, Alicia. Really, Nell, you are
mistaken," I said, in a vexed tone. " I only
asked "

4 'If I thought so."

Alicia blushed a deep, burning red, and her
eyes dropped. Her confusion only threw Nell
into fresh laughter, but I divined her secret,
and hurriedly said:

"We are teasing you, Alicia. Of course we
know that you are not in love."

" I don't mind your nonsense," she said, with
a. forced smile, and left the room.

For whom could poor Alicia be cherishing a
secret passion ? It seemed ridiculous to con
nect her with a romance. We had never known
her to have a lover. She held herself aloof
from men, and they never seemed attracted to
her.

When I came in from my ride late that after
noon I passed through the parlor. Cousin
Reuben sat by a table drawn near one of the
front windows, with writing materials before
him, but his slight figure was huddled up, his

A FAIR REBEL. 113

face hidden in his hands. His attitude express
ed an abandonment of woe that startled me.
I crossed the room to him, laid my hand on his
shoulder.

"Cousin Reuben, what in the world is the
matter ? " I cried, sharply.

He straightened up instantly, brushing his
hair back in confusion.

"Nothing at all. I — I came in here to write
some letters, but my thoughts wouldn't work
very freely, and "

" They must have been giving you a great
deal of trouble " I interrupted, dryly. " Dear
Cousin Reuben, you are in a desperate strait
about something. I can read it in your face,
your eyes," I continued, softly, half shocked as
he turned unwittingly to the light, and I saw
the lines of suffering on his brow and about his
mouth.

He shifted uneasily in his chair and plucked
at the penwiper with nervous fingers.

" I — I am going away, Rachel."

" Yes."

114 ADVENTURES OF

"Perhaps I shall never return. Do you re
member young Bledsoe, home on a short fur
lough last fall ? "

"I do."

" He was killed in battle a few weeks ago."

Was it the terror of war upon him ?

" Are you — are you afraid? " I whispered.

He flushed deeply, and seemed to stiffen in
every muscle.

"Afraid? no; but I don't wonder you think
so, I have hung back so long, when it is the
duty of every man in the country to shoulder
arms. Rachel, it is leaving her that takes
away my strength, my courage, my very heart."

"Her?" I echoed, blankly.

" Yes. I loved her almost at first sight, and
to see her day after day for months — well, it
has not cured me."

" Oh, Nell ! Nell ! " I thought; " how could
you trifle with this kind, faithful heart so cruel
ly ?" " Poor fellow ! " I murmured aloud, ten
derly.

" Don't pity me, Rachel. She does not love

A FAIR REBEL. 11.5

me; how could she ?" with a slighting, scornful
glance at his own insignificant person, " but I
am glad that I love her. It has been a torment,
but also an intoxicating delight to me. I never
really lived until I met her. It was a revela
tion to me."

I listened, half amazed to hear the quiet, re
served man talk so. Who would have sus
pected such passion, such ardent feeling under
that exterior ?

" Is she not beautiful, Rachel ? "

" Yes," I admitted, grudgingly.

" And so sweet and true."

" She is a coquette, Cousin Reub," I cried,
rashly, out of all patience with him.

" A coquette ? oh, no."

" But she is; I know her. She does not mean
any harm, but she can no more help leading a
man on, playing with his feelings, than a cat
can help torturing a mouse. Oh, Cousin Reub,
I am sorry for you; I am sorry for any one who
loves our dear wayward Nell."

He had been walking about the room, but as

Il6 ADVENTURES OF

I finished speaking he paused and stared at

me.

44 Nell! who has been talking about Nell ? "
44 I have."

4' What has she to do with this matter ? "
Then I concluded that he must be utterly

out of his mind to rave about a girl one

moment, and be surprised to hear her name

the next.

44 You said that you were in love with her."
44 With Nell ? you must be dreaming. Would

I give a thought to her by the side of Alicia ? "

I sat down, strength leaving me in my as
tonishment. Could it really be true, or was he
merely playing on my credulity ? Before my
mind flashed the two girls, one radiant, beauti
ful, the other so pale and plain.

44 I thought you said that she was beautiful."

II She is," he exclaimed.

I looked searchingly at him, but found only
truth in his eyes. It was an honest delusion.
His love had transformed her, or else he
recognized a spirit more beautiful than flesh

A FAIR REBEL. II>

and blood. Awe fell upon me at the myste
rious power of this love, transmuting all things
it touched into purest gold. I thought of Arnold
Lambert and Elinor Sims. So, perhaps, he
loved her, while her heart was given to an
other man; so I loved him. Cousin Reuben
began mechanically to put his writing ma
terials together. While doing so he turned his
head and glanced out through the window.
His face flushed, his eyes kindled. I softly rose
and looked over his shoulder.

My cousins had driven over to the village
early in the afternoon to pay a visit. They
had just returned, and were stepping from the
carriage. When they entered the gate they
paused for a moment, side by side, to look at
something above or beyond the house, and
never had the contrast between them seemed
so striking. Nell looked fresh and blooming
as a flower, soft curls falling upon her neck
and shoulders, her lips parted in a smile.
Alicia was colorless and wan, her long slender
neck rising above the collar of her mantle, un-

Il8 ADVENTURES OF

softened by the smallest curled lock, dark
smooth bands of hair just showing under the
brim of her bonnet. Nell tripped up the walk
to the piazza humming ''Dixie," but Alicia
lingered to gather a handful of the yellow jon
quils blooming thickly along the flagged bor
der. The closing light of the mild February
day shone out of the west against her tall thin
figure, the gray strings of her bonnet fluttered
in the wind rising in chilly gusts.

I regarded her with new interest, tried to see
her through Cousin Reuben's eyes, to invest
her with all the graces and fascinating charms
of a woman deeply beloved, but it was only
Alicia, plain Alicia, looking a little chilly and
desolate in the falling dusk. Unconscious of
our regard she strolled along, plucking the
flowers and arranging them, occasionally lift
ing her eyes in a pensive look to the evening
sky. Cousin Reuben drew a long and quiver
ing sigh.

"Have you told her?"

" No, I have not had the courage. I dare

A FAIR REBEL. 1 19

not risk defeat yet. I must master my feelings
first."

" Do you think you will do it here ? "

" No, but I hope to when far away in the
army."

" How do you know but she loves you ? "

" Don't ! " he said huskily. " She is scarcely
friendly with me. At first she was frank and
kind, kinder than you or Nell, but lately she
has avoided me. I understand. She does not
wish to give me the pain of a refusal, she—

" Go this moment and ask her," I said, sure
that at last I understood the change in my
cousin Alicia.

" But, Rachel—

" You are blind as a mole, Cousin Reuben,
and so is she. "

He caught my hand, hope lighting up his
face.

"Is there any chance for me? "

" If there is not — but go, and we will finish
this talk later."

I stood by the window and watched him as

I2O ADVENTURES OF

he went down the walk to her. I fancied that
I could see the color overspreading her face as
he paused at her side. They went away across
the lawn to the garden, and were lost to my
view. I laughed aloud at the thought of those
two going through the world together, so ill
assorted as far as appearances went, even
while tears of sympathy for them in their hap
piness, blinded my eyes.

Uncle Charles was greatly surprised and
not very well pleased at first with the engage
ment of his elder daughter, but she looked so
tremulously blooming and happy, blushing
and paling if you but glanced at her, that he
could not withhold his blessing. Then the
question of a speedy marriage was propounded
by Cousin Reuben, and eagerly advocated by
Nell and me. The whole affair struck Nell as
being the most delicious jest, but the excite
ment of a wedding was irresistible. As usual,
Uncle Charles yielded to the arguments and
entreaties of his family, and the whole house
hold fell zealously to work preparing the

A FAIR REBEL. 121

bride's wardrobe. The lovers themselves were
of no practical service in these preparations.

Only a few near neighbors were bidden to
the marriage, but a great feast was spread, and
the slaves were given a holiday and a dance.
It was a happy wedding, but we all shed a few
tears except the bridegroom, who stared at his
tall bride with adoring eyes.

It was at the close of the evening that Uncle
Charles came up to me, and whispered, " Is
this scene painful to you, Rachel ? "

" Painful ? no," I said, astonished and puz
zled.

"You are cured, then — you have entirely
forgotten that — that fellow ? "

My cheeks turned scarlet. I thought he had
forgotten that confession made to him before I

o

went away in the autumn.

" Yes," I said, deliberately; " I have forgot
ten him."

"Then I hope you'll soon follow Alicia's
example. A woman fulfills her highest duties
only when she becomes a wife and mother."

122 ADVENTURES OF

I went up to my room. The festivities were
all over; I could hear the closing of doors and
windows in the lower part of the house, the
laughing voices of the negroes returning to the
" quarters." The fitful glow of a bonfire still
shone against my window, and, when I looked
out, I saw a few dusky couples whirling slowly
around the burning heap, dancing a farewell
reel. At last they stamped out the fire, and
stole away to their cabins.

It would be a long, long time before I should
follow my cousin's example.

A FAIR REBEL. 123

CHAPTER XI.

IN three weeks Cousin Reuben was to join
his company, but the shadow of separation was
not allowed to cloud the first days of the honey
moon. We left them undisturbed to their fleet
ing joy, for they seemed to grudge every mo
ment spent apart. Into those three weeks a
lifetime of love and hope was crowded. I have
never witnessed such intense happiness, such
feeling. They seemed to think of no one in the
world but each other. Once, Alicia took me
around the waist, and, pressing her head against
my shoulder, said:

" I am selfish, Rachel, but I cannot help it.
It seems to me that I must make the most of
these perfect days with him, that they will
never be repeated."

" We know how it is; we do not blame you."

"I doubt if you know. You must love,
Rachel, if you would be able to enter into the

124 ADVENTURES OF

feelings of others. Love is, of all things, the
one to be experienced to be understood."

I stroked her head, while across my mental
vision flashed the picture of a mountain camp-
fire, with a Union officer lounging before it.

" Yes, I suppose so," I said, calmly.

" You have not loved yet, Rachel. Oh, I
hope I shall be near you when you do. I want
to see how you take it; but it will be violently,
I know," and she laughed, softly.

I hugged my secret close, trembling lest she
should discover it.

" What if Reuben does not come back to me,
Rachel?" absorbed in her own hopes and fears
again. " Sometimes I feel sure that he will not,
that when he goes away I shall never see him
on earth again."

" Oh, now you are foolish," I said, cheerfully.
" These raw troops will not be put in danger
ous places, of course. Cousin Reuben will be
perfectly safe, and, I dare say, when we have
whipped the Yankees, he will become a great
planter with plenty of land and negroes."

A FAIR REBEL. 125

" You think so ? I hope your prophecy will
come true. It is strange that they should want
to interfere with our rights, try to take away
our liberties."

" And our property," I added.

" Yes. What is it to them if we have slaves?
They are fighting as desperately as if we were
barbarians. What would become of the negroes
if they were freed ? "

That problem was entirely beyond my grasp.
It seemed such a natural and proper thing for
the negroes to serve us. They were so much
a part of our property that I could not contem
plate them in a state of freedom. It was almost
as absurd as turning the cattle out, and saying:

" Go hence — set up a kingdom of your own.
You no longer belong to me."

"The Northern people are simply mistaken
about this matter, Alicia," I said, judicially, "as
well as some of our own countrymen who sym
pathize with them, and it is a mistake that
must be whipped out of them. We have
right and justice on our side, and the day

126 ADVENTURES OF

will come when they'll be glad to acknowl
edge it."

It was in her four-and-twentieth year that
Rachel Douglas made that speech. She has
lived to see the foolishness of it.

It was the first day of April that we journeyed
to Atlanta — I to join the Amateurs again, the
others to see Cousin Reuben off. That night
the company was invited to the theatre, and at
the close of the entertainment they all rose and
stood in a body, while the Amateurs sang
" Good-bye " for them.

My voice quavered uncertainly several times,
for I could not help remembering that I had
sung that song to Captain Lambert, and then I
knew that in this audience there were two
hearts nigh to breaking. In the small band of
uniformed men before us stood Cousin Reuben,
his head turned to one side, his eyes fixed on
Alicia, who sat in a remote corner, rigid and
pale, but with hot tears stealing down her face,
and falling in single, glittering drops on her
bosom. She seemed unconscious of her tears,

A FAIR REBEL. I2/

her eyes answering his rapt gaze in a passion
of love and silent anguish. Her suppressed
emotion affected me far more deeply than the
wildest outburst.

The next morning she parted from her hus
band composedly, as a brave soldier's wife
should, and returned home with her father and
sister.

The summer passed rather quietly in Atlanta.
I continued my study and practice of music;
singing with the Amateurs having roused a cer
tain ambition in me. We went off on several
little tours, receiving a cordial welcome every
where. The Ladislaws continued to be the life
and controlling influence of the company, im
parting their enthusiasm to the lukewarm, and
their courage to the weak. I fell more deeply in
love with them every day, and always regarded
my acquaintance with them as a peculiarly
fortunate thing for me. But Elinor Sims and I
were drawn no nearer together. I could not
overcome my intense dislike of her unwomanly
conduct, nor the contempt with which it in-

128 ADVENTURES OF

spired me, and when she had become fully con
vinced that I did not care for her friendship
she treated me with as much proud, chilling
indifference as though I had been the wrong
doer. We were always polite and agreeable to
each other when thrown together, but hastened
to separate as quickly as possible. Once Lieu
tenant Devreau was reported wounded, and,
amid our noisy expressions of regret, she stood
pale and silent. But I saw the quiver of her
lip, the strained expression of fear in her eyes,
and hardened my heart with the righteous feel
ing that she deserved to suffer. We hold jus
tice in high esteem when it metes out punish
ment to our neighbor: it becomes injustice only
when turned against our own shortcomings.

Mary Ladislaw was too much absorbed in the
great events of the war, and the thousand de
mands on her time and sympathy, to pay much
attention to the misunderstanding between two
young women, but she did once say to me:

"I wish you would be more friendly with
Elinor. She was strongly attracted to you at

A FAIR REBEL. I2Q

first, but you have shown so little desire for her
regard, that I think she is fairly discouraged
in her attempts to know you well."

" What do you think of her ? " I asked, point
edly.

"That she is a strong, as well as lovely,
character," she said, warmly. " You cannot
dislike her, Rachel, and yet to be cold, persis
tently cold, toward anyone without cause
doesn't seem natural to you."

" It isn't. I hope that I am too just for that."
" Then why can you not get on with her ? "
" I — really, I don't know," I said, stammer
ing and blushing over the equivocation, but for
once generosity alone prompted the reply.
If she had not confided in Mrs. Ladislaw, I did
not intend to be the one to give her the repu
tation of a coquette. Mary should be kept in
ignorance, if it depended on me to betray
Elinor.

" I think that I must tell you her family his
tory some time," she said; "then you will un
derstand her better."

9

130 ADVENTURES OF

I felt no curiosity to know it; I understood
her well enough, I thought, and secretly de
termined to discourage all confidences about
her.

"Certainly, if you wish," I said, none too
graciously, and the subject was dropped for that
time.

It was the first of September that Mr. Ladis-
law received a telegram, stating that his brother
was dangerously wounded and lying in a camp-
hospital near Chattanooga. The despatch had
been delayed, and Mr. Ladislaw left at once,
fearful that he should not find his brother alive.
The day after her husband's departure, Mary
was seized with a great desire to follow him,
and asked me to go with her.

" You are strong and fearless, Rachel, and
disposed to like danger and adventure. I would
also ask Elinor, but her grandfather is ill, and
her mother cannot spare her."

"/will go with you," I cried, eagerly. "I
would not miss the opportunity for — for the
world, hardly."

A FAIR REBEL. 131

" Must you write to your uncle ? "

" Oh, no ! " I said, recklessly, so excited and
charmed with the prospect of the trip, and the
thought of approaching the armies, that I would
not stop to think of Uncle Charles, and my duty
to him as my guardian.

" I don't believe that we ought to take your
servants."

•' I will send them home."

" But can you get on without them ? "

" Oh, certainly," I replied, with as much
promptitude as though I had been in the habit
of waiting on myself, whereas I had never really
been a day without a servant in my life.

When I informed old Ned and Milly that I
intended to send them home, they were per'
fectly aghast.

" Ain't you comin' too, Miss Rachel ? " cried
my old nurse.

And then I could no longer conceal my de
light, but told them where I expected to go;
imagination playing such tricks with my tongue
that I wound up by declaring that I intended

132 ADVENTURES OF

to be in one battle at least, before I returned.
They listened in horror, and, when I had fin
ished, burst into lamentations and entreaties to
be permitted to remain with me. I firmly re
fused, even when Aunt Milly fell at my feet, and
grasped my skirts in her shaking hands, with
piteous sobs and cries.

Tears streamed down my face.

"Hush! hush! or people will think I am
beating you," I said, heartily repenting that
lurid account of the manifold dangers I expect
ed to encounter.

Ned grew suddenly calm.

" Git up from dar, Milly, an' quit pesterin'
Miss Rachel. When you gwine to leave us,
honey ? " wiping his eyes on his coat-sleeve.

" To-morrow," I said, giving him an approv
ing smile for his obedience. " I shall leave all
my things here, but you and Aunt Milly can
take what you please home with you."

" Yes'm," meekly; then he took Aunt Milly
by the arm and led her away into the next
room. Presently they both came back, com-

A FAIR REBEL. 133

posed, almost cheerful, and I could but think
on the transitory nature of their emotion. Old
Ned made various respectful inquiries about
my journey, and received the pass I gave him
with an humble expression of gratitude. They
were to leave for Decatur about the same time
that I did for Chattanooga, and I gave them a
liberal supply of money for the trip, knowing
that the pass would enable them to go alone.
I also entrusted to them long letters to Uncle
Charles and my cousins.

In the afternoon Mrs. Ladislaw asked me to
go with her to see Elinor. I consented, with
out much reluctance, feeling so complacent
over my good fortune that I was quite pleased
to say good-bye to the whole city. I had never
been in Elinor's home before, and glanced
about with some curiosity when we were shown
into the parlor. It was evident that they were
people of wealth, as well as taste and refine
ment, simplicity and elegance were so happily
combined in the decoration of the room.

Mrs. Sims came in with her daughter, but

134 ADVENTURES OF

she looked like a weak and indolent woman,
and I turned from her faded prettiness to look
at the pictures on the walls. Some of them
were portraits, and I could not repress a slight
exclamation when my eyes fell on one hanging
above the mantel. It was Arnold Lambert.

"What did you say, Miss Douglas?" Mrs.
Sims inquired, in her languid drawl.

I blushed scarlet, and, looking at Elinor, saw
that her cheeks had reddened also. Her eyes
had followed mine to that picture.

" I should like to take Rachel out to — to the
grape-arbor, mother," she said, hastily rising.

" Certainly, my love; but I think it would
be pleasanter to order some grapes brought
in."

Nearly a year had passed since those chance
meetings with Captain Lambert; but the sight
of his portrait roused such emotion in me that
I was glad to follow Elinor silently from the
room. We walked about the garden, gathered
a few roses, and she told me that they owned
a place near Decatur.

A FAIR REBEL. 135

" The old Montgomery place ? " I asked,
quickly.

11 Yes; do you know it ? "

" It is near my uncle's," I said, understand
ing at last why Arnold Lambert lingered in
the deserted garden and around the old house.
It was for her sake.

We returned to the house, and on the back
piazza encountered a tall, handsome, feeble-
looking old man, walking slowly, half-support
ed by a stout negro. He stopped to speak to
us, and I felt my heart go out to him, such be
nignity beamed from his eyes, melted the stern
lines of his mouth. A beautiful, fascinating
smile overspread his noble face, and I lingered
at his side a few minutes, talking with him.
It was Judge Lenoir, Elinor's grandfather.

" He looks as I imagine Goethe must have
looked in his old age," I said, when we left
him.

She looked at me in surprise.

" Do you read Goethe ? "

" I have read more about him than of his own

13 ADVENTURES OF

works. Wilhelm Meister, The Confessions of
a Fair Saint and Fanst I have read. My
uncle has a very good library, and I have al
ways had free access to it."

My knowledge of those books seemed to im
press her.

" You are a remarkable girl, Rachel. I ad
mire your spirit and your gifts. I wish that we
could be friends."

"So do I," I replied, touched again by her
frankness, and flattered by her admiration.

But we had no time for further speech. Mrs.
Ladislaw called me, and we left rather hastily,
as there were still some arrangements to make
for our journey. The next day we left Atlanta
on the northbound train for Chattanooga, and
the stirring scenes of war.

A FAIR REBEL. 137

CHAPTER XII.

WE did not enter Chattanooga at all, for
the Confederates were already preparing to
leave the place — finding it necessary to sacri
fice that vantage-ground in order to protect
Atlanta. We stopped at a small station near
the town, and the first person I saw when I
stepped from the train to the platform was — old
Ned, dressed in his best clothes, and with a
lean, rusty-looking carpet-bag in his hand !
His expression was a mingling of defiance and
fright, and the thought crossed my mind that
perhaps he was deserting me for the enemy.
Surprise and indignation held me speechless
for a rrioment, and I turned my back on him.
Then I heard a soft, insinuating little cough at
my elbow, and there he stood, hat in hand,
staring humbly at the floor.

138 ADVENTURES OF

' ' What are you doing here, Ned?" I in
quired in my sternest tone.

" I couldn't he'p comin', 'deed I couldn't."

" I see, you thought it a good opportunity to
run away. You might have told me that you
wanted to go to the Yankees."

" Now, Miss Rachel, honey, what you want
ter talk to me dat way for ? I ain't no mo'
gwine to de Yankees dan you is. I ain't one
o' dem dat deserts a post o' duty."

" You have certainly disobeyed me."

" So I has; but did you t'ink, honey, dat
I'd let you come 'way up here by you'se'f ? You
kin beat me, Miss Rachel, but I ain't gwine to
be driv' home, 'tel you go."

Tears were trickling down his wrinkled face,
but he looked very obstinate, for all that. My
face relaxed.

" Forgive him, Rachel," Mrs. Ladislaw whis
pered.

" Where is Aunt Milly ?" I inquired.

" She done gone home. Dat 'oman is sich
er fool she won't mine a word I say 'dout a

A FAIR REBEL. 139

beatin'. Is dem t'ings yourn, Miss Rachel ? "
he asked in a cheerful tone, and eagerly loaded
himself with our wraps and bags.

In the exciting days following, we were very
glad that he had been disobedient enough to
follow me, and I often longed for the motherly
care of my old nurse.

We learned that the hospital had been moved
the day before to a safe point not far from
Chickamauga Creek, and it would be necessary
to hire a conveyance to take us across the
country to it. It was then Mrs. Ladislaw be
gan to realize the seriousness of her attempt to
follow her husband. She turned to me.

" Shall we goon, Rachel ?"

" By all means," I said, firmly.

The fool may appear brave because he lacks
understanding. The true hero is the man who
combines courage and discretion. It is the
same with a heroine. My courage was the
bravery of a fool.

" We can return to Atlanta to-night," she
continued, hesitatingly.

140 ADVENTURES OF

" And we can go on to the camp to-night," I
replied.

"That is true, and it would be cowardly in
us to run away from the prospect of a few hard
ships, when our dear boys are fighting and dy
ing for us. Come, we will carry out our first plan."

For a hundred dollars in Confederate money,
a farmer, living near the station, agreed to drive
us over to the hospital. We were dismayed
when he brought his team around, for it was a
rough cart with some splint chairs placed in it
for us to sit on, and a yoke of oxen to draw it.
It was already approaching nightfall, and with
such a conveyance we would probably be sev
eral hours on the road.

" De springs air done wore out o' dis wagon,
Miss Rachel," Uncle Ned said to me after an
examination.

" There never wus enny at fust," said our
driver, with a humorous grin. " Git in, ladies;
these creeturs kin travel faster'n you think for.
Hi, thar, you nigger ! he'p yer missus inter the
waggin."

A FAIR REBEL. 14!

The roads were in a fearful state, cut into
deep ruts, the wagon wheels sinking almost to
the hub in the soft, heavy mud. We were
bumped and jolted until we were bruised and
sore all over, and fell into grim silence. Uncle
Ned alone remained cheerful and talkative, en
gaging the driver in a discussion of the condi
tion of the country, and airing his knowledge
of the various cities he had visited. The coun
tryman listened to him rather scornfully, evi
dently irritated by the old man's superior
knowledge and his contentment in a condition
of servitude. He did not speak his mind very
plainly, but he said enough for us to understand
that he sympathized with the Union. Mary's
animation returned, her eyes flashed, her
cheeks grew pink. " Do you mean to say that
you are willing to have your rights all taken
from you ? "

" They ain't tuk nothin' from me, an' hit 'nd
be a plagued sight better tu let the niggers go
free th'n ter spill so much good white blood a-
fightin' ter keep em in slavery," he said, doggedly.

142 ADVENTURES OF

She tried to make him understand that we
were fighting for the sake of principle, for the
defense of our homes, our liberty. "An'
theyer fightin' for principle an' liberty too.
Hit's hard tu onderstan' how both sides kin be
a-fightin' fer the same thing an' agin one er-
nuther. Gee thar, Ab'slum. I'm fer the old
flag, mum. Hit's the one what Washington an'
all them other Revolutioneries fit an' died fer,
an' I reckon hit's better'n enny new un we uns
could git up."

"Perhaps you intend to deliver us over to the
enemy ? " said Mary with fine scorn in her eyes.

He turned and looked at her, and stroked the
ragged beard on his chin.

"Law, now, do yer think that o' me? I
don't know ez the Yankees 'ud want sech pris
oners," eying us reflectively. " Wimmin kin
use their tongues like ole Haley when they git
mad, an' fight an' scratch between theyselves,
but as soldiers or prisoners o' war, I don't think
they er o' much o' count."

We rushed into an ardent defense of women,

A FAIR REBEL. 143

and drew on history for examples of female
courage, but he merely smiled skeptically and
stroked his beard.

Night came on, and I was forcibly reminded
of our journey from North Carolina by the
rough and hilly country through which we
passed. It seemed to me those oxen traveled
with incredible slowness, or else we were im
patient to reach the end of our journey. We
met several parties of scouting Confederates
who politely saluted us, staring curiously at us
the while. The stars came out brilliantly in
the frosty atmosphere, but we had no moon to
light the way. I grew faint with hunger, and
Mary opened a small flask of liquor, and made
me drink a little of it, but that only turned me
giddy and light-headed without appeasing my
stomach.

It had such a peculiar effect on me that I
fancied sparks of fire were flashing from my
eyes, and I laughed hysterically at everything
that was said.

It was about 9 o'clock in the night that we

144 ADVENTURES OF

halted at a cross-roads, and the countryman
left his team long enough to examine a sign
board. He came back and calmly announced
that we were on the wrong road.

" I missed it at Turner's crossin','' he said.

" What are we to do, then ? " cried my friend
in despair.

" We uns kin turn back, or go through the
settlement road."

"What shall we decide on, Rachel?" said
Mary, in an appealing tone.

My head still felt empty and light as a feather,
and it required an effort to suppress a foolish
giggle, as I said:

" The settlement road, if he knows the way
and it is nearer."

What a journey that was ! I have only a
confused recollection of its length and duration,
but I know that Mary and I resigned ourselves
to the worst that could come before it ended.
Uncle Ned crouched in the bottom of the
wagon, and clung to our chairs, muttering al
ternate prayers and maledictions.

A FAIR REBEL. 145

"This is a remarkable experience, Rachel,"
my friend whispered.

' ' I only hope we shall live through it," I replied.

We turned the brow of a hill, descended it at
a rapid pace, and the next we knew, team and
wagon were stuck fast in a bog. A new road
had been cut around it, but in the darkness our
driver missed that. It was pitch-dark in the
swamp, and the imaginary dangers of the situa
tion were far more frightful than the real ones.
The farmer lighted a torch from some pine he
had stowed away in the wagon — I wonder it had
not occurred to him to do it before — and we
looked shudderingly around on the wild scene.
We were evidently near a stream, and the
morass was caused by the overflow. Black
pools of water with clumps of grass, rank flags
and "cat-tails" growing out of them reflected
the light glassily, and sweet-gum and poplar
trees bent thick interlacing branches overhead.
The poor oxen were sunk to their knees in the
treacherous black bog, and the wagon was
steadily settling.

146 ADVENTURES OF

The driver and Uncle Ned leaped out, and
waded to firmer ground to find brush and de
cayed timber to throw into the bog for us to step
on, when we left the wagon. I held the torch,
meanwhile, the hot pitch dripping down on my
hands, and the sooty smoke turning my face to
the dusky tint of an African's. Mary descended
to the rude bridge first, and then I followed
after, throwing the blazing pine out on dry
ground, but scarcely had I touched the ground
when a great frog leaped across my foot. I
loathe frogs. The mere sight of one turns me
faint with terror, and when that creature's
shiny head and long legs flashed across my
vision, I screamed and ran back through the
marsh until I reached the opposite bank, with
my shoes and stockings in a pitiable state, and
my skirts splashed to the knee.

The oxen were unyoked and driven out, and
after repeated efforts on the part of the men to
move the wagon we were about to abandon it,
when a squad of soldiers, returning from a for
aging expedition, came to our relief. Never had

A FAIR REBEL. 147

the sight of a gray uniform been more welcome
to me. Our sad plight called forth their sym
pathy, as well as afforded them a good deal of
merriment. They jeered at the countryman,
even while they pulled his wagon out of the
mud, and proposed to see us safely to the hos
pital, an offer he declined.

"No; I started with 'em, an' I'm agoin' to
take 'em tu the end o' thar journey, but I'll be
dad-blamed if onnuther woman ever gits me tu
haul her ennywhar; no, not for er thousand
dollars o' Confederate money."

The soldiers gallantly escorted us the re
mainder of the way, but we were glad almost
to weeping when the white tents of the camp-
hospital rose in ghostly array on our vision.
Subdued activity reigned. In a remote part of
the camp new tents were being stretched, and
guards paced slowly and wearily on their beats,
while those who had been relieved lay rolled
in their blankets on the naked ground, asleep.

The soldiers who had befriended us carried
the news of our arrival through the camp, and

148 ADVENTURES OF

presently Mr. Ladislaw came out of a tent and
swiftly toward us. He looked worn and sad,
but never nobler and handsomer than at that
moment. His eyes lighted up as they fell on
his wife; the lines of his face relaxed.

"Mary! you here ?" he exclaimed. " I could
not believe it when they told me."

She ran to him.

" Oh, Henry, how glad I am to be with you
again ! " Then she threw her arms about his
neck and burst into tears, the first I had ever
seen her shed for herself.

A FAIR REBEL. 149

CHAPTER XIII.

THAT night we ate soldiers' rations, and
slept in a soldier's tent, and rose in the morn
ing refreshed and ready for duty, though rather
stiff and sore from the experiences of the even
ing before. Edward Ladislaw had received
his wound at the battle of Bridgeport, Ala
bama, and there was but slight hope of his re
covery. Mary took her place by his bunk.
He was a young fellow, her husband's only
brother, and loved by her very tenderly. Her
husband opposed our remaining in the hos
pital.

" It is no place for delicate women," he said,
when arguing the matter with us.

" Delicate women often have stronger nerves
than the bravest men, my darling," said Mary.
" I know now that it was wrong to ask Rachel
to come with me, but -"

150 ADVENTURES OF

''Rachel does not repent coming ! " I exclaim
ed. " Nurses are needed, I am sure, and I have
witnessed suffering enough in the Atlanta hos
pitals to realize some of the sights we'd have
to look on here. If the women of a country
cannot fight its battles, they can bind up the
wounds of those who do."

"Good for you, Rachel Douglas!" cried my
friend applaudingly, and Mr. Ladislaw permit
ted us to have our way.

We lodged in a farm-house within a stone's
throw of the camp, a mere cabin with a loft.
We slept in the loft, climbing up to it on a
movable ladder. The bed, stuffed with sweet-
smelling straw and grasses, was most comfort
able to us, though its sheets were homespun
and scanty. The roof sloped down very low,
and great fat spiders spun their webs in the
corners and over the surface of the boards.
The family numbered four, a man, his wife and
two daughters. The girls were slender, hardy-
looking creatures, dipped a great deal of snuff,
and went barefooted. They belonged to that

A FAIR REBEL. 151

peculiar class of Georgians called " crackers"
now, but they were known in those days as
" poor white trash." They had no ardent
political feelings or patriotism. They had
nothing to lose, perhaps nothing to gain by the
war, and looked on it with indifference, even
when its tumult swept around them. The
common love of humanity caused them to
minister to the sick and wounded solders, but
beyond that they seemed to feel no interest in .
the issue of the struggle. '

Uncle Ned was secretly very unhappy. Be
tween his fears for me and the discomforts of
his own life, he went about with a very gloomy
face. He presaged the most grievous mis
fortunes, and implored me to return home, but
I had only to remind him that it was through
his own disobedience he suffered, to send him
from my presence in humble silence. His
faithful, dog-like devotion to me never relaxed
through all the days of hardship and peril,
and some of them were exceedingly dark.

I will not linger over those experiences as

152 ADVENTURES OF

a hospital nurse, nor attempt to describe any
of the movements of the two armies. They
belong to history, and the details of every
skirmish have been told and retold. It was
the beginning- of that campaign which was
to end in Sherman's march to the sea, though
little did we think then that Georgia was to be
laid waste by siege and battle from the moun
tains to the Atlantic border.

Subdued but intense excitement prevailed.
The armies were changing their position every
day, skirmishing and manoeuvring for ad
vantages, and to the hospital fresh cases were
constantly brought.

The excitement, the misery, wrere in strange
contrast to the tranquil autumn days on which
the sun rose and set in unclouded splendor.
One could scarcely believe that the smoke
hanging over the hills and softening the sun
sets to dull red came from the fusillade of
arms, or that the crowded heaps of freshly
turned earth in a sedge-field \vere the graves
of dead soldiers, borne daily from the camp-

A FAIR REBEL. 153

hospital. Yet death became a familiar presence
to all. The terror and the awe of it vanished.
Men jested about it, even when its grisly hand
lay on them, and yielded to it as to the loving
grasp of a friend, and we women were hardened
to tearlessness in its presence.

In a day or two after Mary and I arrived at
the hospital, two maiden ladies — sisters — came
from their home, near Cartersville, to join in
the work of nursing. They had not a great
deal of experience or nerve, but enthusiasm
and a heroic desire to sacrifice themselves car
ried them through the most sickening and try
ing scenes. They entered into the work with
the holy fervor and zeal of religious devotees;
and I know that, simple, plain and middle-aged
as they were, they were regarded as saints by
the poor fellows under thein ministrations. It
was not only a glorious duty they performed,
but the experience colored their monotonous
lives with romance. To be held in such rever
ential esteem and affection suffused existence
with light and joy. Their name was Mande-

154 ADVENTURES OF

ville — Sarah Ann and Jane — and they could
trace their ancestry back to remote English
origin. Miss Jane was my favorite, being softer
and gentler than her sister, and we had fre
quent walks together through the autumn
woods when we wished to escape from the
discord of pain and death. I could trace alike-
ness between her and my cousin Alicia — a
faded likeness, for her dark hair had turned
gray, and her tall, slight figure stooped, not
from habit, but encroaching age. She was a
woman of fine perceptions and sensitive feel
ings. She had an artistic eye for colors, and I
have seen her face light up with pleasure over
the grouping of autumn leaves. Her life had
been passed principally on a plantation, but
one visit to the great cities of the North had
enlightened her mind as to the possibilities of
life beyond the environments of the planter's
home. Her allegiance to the Confederacy
caused her to speak of that journey with reserve.
To her simple mind it appeared disloyal to
mention the enemy's country, and a delicate

A FAIR REBEL. 155

air of self-deprecation marked all she said
about it.

I saw less of Mary during those days than of
Miss Jane, for she spent most of the time at the
bedside of Edward Ladislaw, using all her wo
man's tenderness and skill in nursing, to save
his life. But it was without avail. Her face,
worn with watching, saddened as the days
passed.

" I fear that it is only a question of time,
Rachel," she said. " But I am glad we came.
Henry needs me."

" It is only a question of time with all of us,
and "I sometimes wonder whether a few months
or years can make any material difference," I
replied, heavy - heartedly, oppressed by the
tragical side of life.

One afternoon she came out to the cabin to
me. I leaned over the gate, looking away into
the valley withdrawn from the declining light
of the sun, and wondering what new develop
ments the morrow would bring forth in the
situation of the armies. I was instantly struck

156 ADVENTURES OF

with a subtle change in my friend's face, and
went out to meet her. The touch of my hand
on her shoulder unlocked the reservoir of emo
tion. Her lip trembled, tears overflowed her
weary eyes.

" Is he worse, Mary ? "

" He is gone, Rachel — gone."

" Dead ! " I exclaimed; then was silent,
shocked in spite of myself.

" Yes. Poor Henry ! he takes it hard."

Her thought was more for her husband than
for the young soldier who had passed beyond
her care.

-What will you do?"

-He must be buried here for the present.
Henry thinks it best. The country is so torn
up it would be wellnigh impossible to take
him to Atlanta, now."

That evening we stood around the new-made
grave and saw Edward Ladislaw's body lower
ed into it, clothed in the faded gray uniform he
had worn through the service, and wrapped in
a military cloak. The light of a pale new

A FAIR REBEL. 157

moon hanging remotely in the western sky,
silvered the waving sedge in the field, while all
the country beyond lay in mysterious shadow.
That spectral radiance touched the uncovered
heads of the mourners, the brother and sister
and two or three old soldiers who had hobbled
out from the camp to pay the last honors to
their favorite officer. Miss Sarah Ann Mande-
villc read the burial service, or rather repeated
it with the book open before her, and then the
earth was thrown in again by Uncle Ned, a
rough boulder marking the head of the grave.
It was not the only burial I attended while
there, but it was one of the saddest.

Miss Jane and I watched with the wounded
until midnight that night; then she shared the
couch in the cabin loft with me. Daylight was
shining through the north end window, a square
hole with a wooden shutter, and through the
chinks in the walls, when I awoke next morn
ing. A sense of weariness from the vigil of the
night still oppressed me, in spite of my youth
and good health, and I lay in that listless state

158 ADVENTURES OF

in which the mind works clearly, but the body
is inert, when a deep boom apparently shook
the solid earth beneath us, and reverberated in
a thousand broken echoes.

44 What is it?" I cried aloud, shaken with
sudden terror.

u The firing of cannon," said my companion
in an awe-struck tone. Her delicate withered
face blanched. She sat up in bed and listened,
and the strings of her muslin nightcap vibrated
softly with the fluttering pulse in her lean white
throat. Another explosion came, heavier than
the first. We got out of bed and crept to the
window, and pushed open the shutter. Sun
light streamed across the broken hilly country
in slanting golden beams from the east, and
rosy clouds hung about the top of Lookout
Mountain, or skimmed away across the sky.
A flock of buzzards sailed round and round in
the upper sky, their broad black wings casting
fleeting shadows on the distant landscape. The
course of Chickamauga Creek was clearly
traced by a line of white mist rising and spread-

A FAIR REBEL. 159

ing into thin vapor as the sunlight touched it.
A glistening freshness marked the incoming
day, and the still air was bitten with the
keenness of frost. So fine seemed the beauty
and repose of the world in that first glimpse, it
was like a new creation; but strange sounds
vibrated on our hearing, and presently the
awful roar of cannon rent that semblance of
peace asunder.

It was the beginning of the great battle of
Chickamauga.

The recollections of that day are tinged
through and through with the lurid hue of
blood. Of its experiences I cannot write.
Once, overcome with the horror of it all, and
longing to get away from the sounds of the
guns, I fled to the loft, and buried my head in
the bedclothes.

" Dat you, Miss Rachel, honey?" muttered
a husky voice. I looked up, and saw old Ned
creeping out of a dusty corner, his black face
gray with fear, the whites of his eyes rolling
like marbles.

160 ADVENTURES OF

" What are you doing up here ? " I demanded
severely.

" Honey, I'se dat skeered, it's made me sick
at de stummick, an' my knees is weaker dan
water."

" You are a coward, Uncle Ned," I cried
scornfully.

" I'd ruther be a coward dan have my head
blowed offn me," he groaned. " Listen at
dat ! " clutching at his trembling legs, as the
cabin shook from the terrific firing. " Dey er
comin' dis way, Miss Rachel; oh ! oh ! may de
Lawd save us from destruction ! "

I pitied but could not reassure him, my own
mind was in such a turmoil. Every moment I
expected to be engulfed and swept away in the
terrible conflict. Smoke darkened the atmos
phere until the sun shone through it like a dull
red flame; the fumes of burning powder hung
heavy in the air. From that day war assum
ed a new and awful significance to me. It was
no longer for the exhibition of chivalry, of
romantic deeds of valor, but for the savage

A FAIR REBEL. l6l

slaughter of men, the gratification of unbridled
hatred.

The wounded and dying were brought in by
scores. The rebels were winning the victory,
and more than one died with fierce, exultant
words on his lips, and the light of passion in
his eyes, the bloody passion of war.

In the afternoon Mr. Ladislaw sent Mary and
me away from the hospital. " Go, now, and rest.
This is no place for you," he said, as new ambu
lances came in, loaded with mangled, writhing
humanity. "Perhaps you can return to-night."

We went away to our refuge, the loft, and
tried to talk hopefully, to rouse some sensation
of pleasure in the victory of our army, but
heavy silence fell upon us. We could think
only of the lives lost.

I fell asleep sitting by the window, and it
was dusk when consciousness returned. A
shawl had been folded about my shoulders, and
Uncle Ned crouched patiently on the floor near
me.. A silence that seemed frightful, after such
hideous uproar, brooded over the world.

162 ADVENTURES OF

" Mary ! " I cried, trembling with fear.

" She done gone back to camp," said old
Ned gently.

" Why is everything so still ? Are they all
dead ? " I asked.

" Lawd, honey ! it's to be hoped not, but de
fightin' has stopped. I been down cookin' you
some supper, Miss Rachel. 'Tain't nuffin' but
co'n bread and a slice o' bacon, but it'll be
streng'henin'."

" I couldn't eat," I sighed wearily.

" Now you try, honey, you try. Starvin' is
mighty poor pay."

He coaxed and urged until I went down and
ate a part of his rations. I learned from him
that the family, overcome with fear, had hastily
gathered together a few of their things, and
refugeed toward the farther south. The food
refreshed me, and we left the deserted cabin
and went down to the hospital. I paused on
the outer edge of the camp-ground, daunted by
the groans wrung from the wounded soldiers
they were still bringing in from the battle-field.

A FAIR REBEL. 163

The tents had overflowed, and men were lying
thickly on the ground.

" Water! water! " was the imploring cry rising
from a thousand parched and fevered throats.
Here and there a blue-coat lay side by side with
the grey, and I saw two poor fellows, enemies
on the battle-field, dividing food and drink with
one another.

An ambulance drove up near me, and stopped.
An officer came forward to inspect the wounded
men in it.

" I thought you had orders not to pick up any
more Federals?" he said sharply to the driver.

" But he didn't seem to be badly wounded."

" Put him out; he is nearly dead from loss of
blood. We must save our own men first."

I pressed forward, as the apparently lifeless
body of a Federal officer was placed upon the
ground. A thrill of recognition went through
me like a shock. I fell on my knees at his side,
and turned his face to the light, reading in its
set and ghastly features the destiny bringing me
to that spot. It was to see Arnold Lambert die.

164 ADVENTURES OF

CHAPTER XIV.

" DON'T leave him here !" I pleaded, when
my confused senses permitted me to speak.

" Madam — Miss, he is dead," said the officer,
calmly.

" He is not dead !" I cried, feeling the faint
throb of his heart under my hand. "Oh, it is
inhuman not to try to save this life because it
belongs to an enemy!"

The man hardened, feeling my speech unjust.

" Do you think we are mean enough to strike
an already fallen foe ? " he demanded hotly.
" It is impossible to care for our own wounded
as they should be cared for. Shall this man's
life be held in preference to theirs ? If you had
to make choice between saving a friend or a
foe, would you hesitate over it ? Not much."

I recognized the justness of his argument,
even while blindly angry at his callous indif-

A FAIR REBEL. 165

ference to Arnold's fate. I stared down at the
wounded man, sick with grief when I saw blood
stains on his breast and around the jagged
edges of a bullet-hole in the shoulder of his
coat. Wherever my hand came in contact
with his clothing, that hideous moisture clung
to it.

Nobody had time, it seemed, to waste a
moment's pity on him. When I looked up
Uncle Ned and I were alone with him. The
old man seemed to partially comprehend my
emotion.

"I knowed him, honey, de minnit my
eyes seed him," he whispered. " He stood by
you an' Miss Nell in de mountains; we'll stand
by him here." He bent over to examine the
prostrate man. " He breathes, Miss Rachel."

"We must get him to the cabin," I said
faintly; " he cannot die here." I felt calm but
strained in every nerve. Every fluttering
breath he drew caused me to hold mine with
fear, lest it should be his last. We tried to
lift him, but his weight seemed the weight of

l66 ADVENTURES OF

death. Miss Jane Mandeville came near to
give water to a wounded soldier, and I called
softly to her.

" Come, help me," I entreated.

She came instantly.

"What is it?"

" A wounded soldier; oh, help us carry him
to the house ! "

"A Federal?"

" A man, a brother, as much as those over
there," with a quick gesture toward a group of
Confederates. " Don't parley about the color
of his clothes."

" Do you know him ? "

" Yes."

She stooped and peered into my face.

I gave my eyes to her scrutiny, and I think
she understood my secret. Heaven knows I
did not care. I could have proclaimed it to
all the world to save his life. Silently she lent
her aid, and we carried him to the cabin, and
laid him on the bed in the back shed-room.

She remained with me until Uncle Ned had

A FAIR REBEL. 167

cut away the clothing from the wounded man's
shoulder, and washed the blood from his lac
erated flesh. Then, with the experience gath
ered in the hospital, she pronounced the wound
fairly a slight one.

" Exhaustion and loss of blood have reduced
him to this low ebb, Rachel," she said, and I
could have embraced her in my joy. I felt life
flowing back to my heart, tingling through my
veins. My face must have glowed, for a tinge
of sympathetic color stole into her withered
cheeks, and when I silently pressed her arm
she leaned it against me for a moment. No
nearer did we ever come to confidences about
the matter.

" Your man will attend to him, and be an
excellent nurse, I know. I must go back now
to the poor fellows at the camp. Your — your
friend may have fever for a few days, but I am
sure that he is not fatally wounded."

She went away, and I sat down near the bed
side. Uncle Ned had found some tallow
candles, and he had placed one, lighted, on

168 ADVENTURES OF

the table. Its flickering glow fell on Arnold's
face, and I watched every slight change pass
ing over it, in breathless suspense. Would he
presently wake out of that unconscious state,
and recognize me ? One hand hung helplessly
down over the edge of the narrow bed. I
raised it gently and laid it on the coverlid, the
color running over my face, even though he
was ignorant of the touch.

A tenderness such as I had never felt before
pulsed through me. It was protective, ma
ternal, in its depth and intensity; it was a
baptism of new life to my soul. And it all
came through seeing him lying there pale,
helpless, at my mercy. Signs of reviving an
imation appeared in him, his lips moved,
and bending above him I heard that cry
for — " Water, water," ever on the lips of the
wounded.

I gave him to drink, and he sank back into
that deathlike stillness again. For a week he
alternated between delirium and stupor, recog
nizing no one. Uncle Ned nursed him with

A FAIR REBEL. 169

devotion, and I came and went in a fever of
unrest, my thoughts bound to the narrow limits
of that poor shed, and the struggle for life
going on within it.

Active hostilities between the armies had
ceased for a few days. The Federals, defeated
at Chickamauga, had retreated again to Chat
tanooga, and our armies were planting their
guns on Missionary Ridge and Lookout Moun
tain, exultant and confident of other successes.
I heard the news with indifference; loyalty, love
of country, swallowed up in love of Arnold
Lambert.

The cabin was not invaded by our soldiers.
It was tacitly understood that it was to be left
to the nurses, so the presence of the Union
officer remained unknown, except to a few.
The Ladislaws frankly and strongly disapproved
of my charitable conduct toward the stranger,
for I did not betray any former acquaintance
with him.

When Mary stepped to the shed-room door,
and looked on his face for the first time, she

I/O ADVENTURES OF

started back, her face hardening as I had never
seen it harden before.

" Arnold Lambert, of all men! He is not
worthy of your care, Rachel."

I was hurt and indignant.

" I didn't know that you carried your loyalty
to such extreme limits," I said, stiffly.

" You know why I dislike this man."

" Yes," I said, thinking that it was because
he had loved Elinor Sims; " but I don't see why
that should be regarded as a crime. A man has
the right to do as he pleases in such matters."

" I differ with you. Duty should "

" It is not a question of duty," I interrupted,
impatiently.

"You talk flippantly, Rachel, An honest
foe I respect; a traitor I despise, "and she hastily
withdrew, leaving me rather bewildered by her
bitter speech.

It is singular how close the truth can come
to us without revealing itself. Had I asked
one question, shown one doubt that I did not
fully understand her, an explanation would

A FAIR REBEL. I/I

have been made, but I was so sure I did un
derstand, that the opportunity profited noth
ing. Women have less tolerance than men
when their prejudices are put to the test. Mary
Ladislaw and I held somewhat aloof from each
other after that conversation.

" Rachel has the right to her own opinion,
Mary," said her husband, gently. " There are
few such ardent rebels as we, or so true to the
cause."

My implied faithlessness was accepted in
silence. Miss Jane Mandeville was my true
friend during that strange experience, and a
more delicate and tactful soul I never met.

One day I came up from the hospital, and
stepped softly across the outer room to the shed.
Arnold lay with his face to the wall, and my
heart was smitten with fresh pain as I noted
the thinness of his cheek and throat.

"How is he now, Uncle Ned?" I asked, in
a low tone.

" Hu-sh, Miss Rachel, he done wake up, an'
know ever' t'ing," whispered the old man radi-

1/2 ADVENTURES OF

antly, as he passed out at the door to bring a
fresh bucket of water from the spring.

The invalid turned his head, and looked at
me, but it was no longer a wandering gaze.
Glad recognition brightened it, and his wan
face was suffused with a tinge of color.

"Rachel, come here," he said, faintly.

I went to the bedside, but tenderness, bash
ful tenderness, held me silent. He stretched
out his weak hand, clasped my wrist, then my
arm, trying to draw me down to him. In the
confusion of the moment I couldn't question his
right to do it, but knelt on the floor at the bed
side. Quick blushes ran over my face; I gazed
at the coverlid rather than at him. " You have
been in my thoughts all the time, and when he
told me how you saved my life "

"Who told you?" Tasked.

"The old negro, your servant. Rachel,
Rachel ! it seems too good to be true that you
are here with me; that I can speak to you;
once more look on your dear, lovely face ! Do
you remember the rose ? "

A FAIR REBEL. 1/3

" You must not talk," I faltered; " it will ex
cite you, bring back the fever."

" Kiss me, then, and I will be silent."

I looked into his entreating eyes for a mo
ment. " Yes, I love you with all my heart,"
he said so earnestly, with such passion running
through his weak tones, I could not doubt it.
He raised his arm to my neck, and then I leaned
forward, and laid my lips, fresh, red, and trem
ulous, on his pale mouth. " Dearest ! " he whis
pered, and tried to press me closer to him, but
fell back, a groan of pain wrung from him by
his wounded shoulder. ''Don't leave me,
Rachel," as I rose to my feet again.

" I must — you need rest."

"Then come again, come quickly," clinging
to my hand.

" Yes, yes," I said, and hastily left the room
as Uncle Ned entered it. I went out into the
woods and walked, to avoid all companionship.
No romance I had ever read, in prose or verse,
had prepared me for the reality. A thousand
conflicting thoughts whirled through my mind;

1/4 ADVENTURES OF

shame and joy alternately possessed me. I had
not uttered a tender word to him, yet I had
permitted him to look into my heart and see
that I loved him. It was not until later that I
could think of Elinor Sims, and question my
right to his love. He was still pledged to her,
I did not doubt, and ignorant of her faithless
ness.

When I had gone so far in my thoughts,
then I went farther, and doubted if he loved
me at all. His words were merely an impulse
of gratitude. In his weakness the sight of a
familiar face had excited him to say more than
he meant.

I did not see him again until the next even
ing, and then it was in the presence of Miss
Jane Mandeville. Uncle Ned lay on the floor
asleep, and we stepped softly, and talked in
whispers, not to wake the poor old fellow.
Captain Lambert talked with .Miss Jane, but
looked at me, and I felt conscience-smitten un
der his keenly - reproachful gaze. He was
stronger, and declared that he hoped to be

A FAIR REBEL. 1/5

well ill a few days. As we were going away,
he called me :

" Miss Douglas, may I trouble you to tight
en the bandage on my shoulder ? "

I went back to the bedside, and bent over
him. He seized my hand, and pressed it to
his cheek and lips.

"Why have you not been to see me? I
have expected you, looked for you, every hour
of the day."

" I have been at the hospital. Has Uncle
Ned been careless ? "

" No, no; but I wanted you, Rachel."

" Please let me arrange the bandage," I
said, as coolly as I could, but trembling like a
leaf, " for Miss Jane is waiting for me."

" It is all right; but go, if you are so anxious
to be rid of me. I know you have the right to
neglect me, that I am at your mercy, but yes
terday

" We were both hasty," I said falteringly.

His eyes looked steadily at me, compelled
mine to meet them.

176 ADVENTURES OF

" Do you repent ? "

I could not say yes; I did not want to say no.

" Do you repent, Rachel ? " his voice rising,
a feverish flush appearing in his thin face.
" She tortures me with a coquette's tricks," he
muttered to himself with a sigh, and released
my hand.

The unjust suspicion stung me into speech:

" I do not : how can you think so ? "

" Because you are so capricious — tender yes
terday, hard and cold to-day. Am I so much
a stranger to you that you feel afraid of me ?
I have had no chance to woo you, dearest, or
make you love me. I know it, but it has not
been my own fault. I wanted to speak when
we were together in that garden, but feared to
risk my chances. Think of the uncertainty,
the perils of war, of my helplessness, and be
frank with me."

Miss Jane coughed in the outer room, and I
heard her walking lightly over the floor. It
was to remind me that she was waiting. I
stooped lower over the bed; my arm encircled

A FAIR REBEL. 177

his head for an instant. " I am taking every
thing into consideration," I whispered.

" And love me, Rachel ? "

" I could not help that if I would," I said,
and went straight from his presence.

ADVENTURES OF

CHAPTER XV.

I SOON learned that Captain Lambert was a
most determined man when he set his heart on
anything. It was difficult for me to avoid see
ing him, though I managed not to do it again
for several days, except in the presence of
Miss Jane Mandeville. He sent numerous
messages to me, and, when his arm grew
strong enough, wrote shaky little scrawls on
the leaves of his pocket note-book. I have
some of those notes yet. I was going through
a serious struggle during those days, and knew
that it would be best to settle it away from his
influence. Accepting his love involved a fine
question of honor. I could not bring myself
to mention Elinor Sims to him, or try in any
way to find out if he meant to deceive me. His
utter silence puzzled and wounded me. I loved
him with all my heart; it seemed impossible

A FAIR REBEL.

for me to give him up, but that was what 1
finally determined to do, unless he voluntarily
explained the circumstances of that former en
gagement. That seemed a very high and noble
resolve, and brought a certain exalted satis
faction; albeit my heart ached grievously all
the time.

In the midst of my perplexity and silent
thinking I did not lose sight of occurrences
around me. Uncle Ned's devices for getting
proper food for his patient were rnany and cun
ning. He begged, borrowed, and was often
guilty of stealing, I think. I protested and
scolded, and went so far as to forbid his prowl
ing through the country after nightfall; but
when some stolen delicacy was humbly brought
to me as a peace-offering, I could not fling it
back in his composed and innocent-looking
old face, and accuse him of being a thief. One
night he came in bareheaded, his clothes mud
dy and torn, and his white wool looking as if
it had gone through a straightening process, it
was standing out so around his black face.

180 ADVENTURES OF

Miss Jane Mandeville and I were sitting in the
cabin by a fire, and when he attempted to sidle
across the room I detected something under
his coat. I also noticed that he panted and
trembled as though he had been running.

" Where have you been, Uncle Ned ? " I in
quired.

" Oh, jest out a-walkin' for exercise, honey."

" What have you got hidden under your
coat ? "

" It's my— my hat, Miss Rachel."

" Let me see it, please."

" Now, honey, ain't I always been hones' an'
tru'ful ? What you wanter see my ragged ole
hat for ? I done tore it, down in a brier patch.
j "

" Let me see it."

He sighed, and looked imploringly at me;
then slowly and reluctantly drew a young
chicken into view.

" Where did you get that ? " I demanded, in
stantly.

" Roos'in' in de swamp. I 'spec tit was skeered

A FAIR REBEL. l8l

off by de fightin' t'oder day. Anyway, it didn't
'pear like it would be any harm to ketch it."

"You took that chicken from somebody's
coop."

" 'Fore de Lawd, I didn't, honey."
" And you were discovered and chased."
" De soldier was, too," he said, with a sly
grin. He held the fowl up between his eyes
and the light, and looked reflectively at it.

" I 'low it'll be a good br'iler, half o' it for
Mars Arnold an' half for you an' Miss Jane.
Would you like it br'iled for breakfast, honey ? "
in such an insinuating tone that I dismissed
him without further words.

It was the next day that Mary Ladislaw came
to me, and said that her husband thought it
best for us to return to Atlanta. He expected
to remain in the hospital until Edgar Sims, who
had been wounded in the battle of Chicka-
mauga, had recovered, but he wished us to go
at once. The duties of a hospital-nurse had
worn fearfully upon her. She was blanched
and thin, with dark stains under her eyes, and

1 82 ADVENTURES OF

looked constantly weary. My heart softened
as I looked at her.

"Dear Mary, come up to the loft and lie
down. You need rest. Can we not wait a few
more days ? "

She looked at me.

" Is Captain Lambert's wound healing ? " she
asked, abruptly.

" Yes," I answered, briefly.

We went silently up the ladder, and she al
lowed me to tuck her up in bed, then she turned
her head, and said:

" I will ask Henry if we may stay a little
longer."

I kissed her, and went away. When I de
scended to the lower room, Captain Lambert
walked from the fireplace to meet me, to my
astonishment and confusion. He looked tall
and gaunt, but his moustache and hair had been
freshly trimmed, and he carried himself ever
with soldierly erectness and grace. It gave me
a slight shock to see him in his blue uniform.
I felt alarmed.

A FAIR REBEL. 183

" You are surprised to see me out?" he said,
smiling, and taking my hand.

" And glad," I could not help murmuring.

" I sat up for the first time three days ago.
You would not come to me, Rachel. At last I
can come to you. My dearest ! "

He would have put his arm around me, but I
gently repulsed him.

" You will be made a prisoner, if seen in
those clothes," I said, avoiding his eyes.

" I have.no others," he replied, in a changed
and gloomy tone.

I went on to unfold a plan for his escape
through the Confederate lines; wondering,
meanwhile, what my friends would say if they
knew it. He did not express any gratitude
for my forethought, but sat down by the fire,
and leaned his head on his hand.

It was a gloomy October day, the landscape
a blur of gray mist, and the low clouds flying
before an east wind. Uncle Ned stirred the fire
into a blaze, and laid on fresh sticks of wood;
then, feeling vitally interested in the conversa-

184 ADVENTURES OF

tion he sat down on the floor at the end of the
hearth. His presence relieved me of embarrass
ment, as it prevented Captain Lambert from
betraying his feelings in speech. It was mingled
torture and delight to me to know what emo
tions must underlie his composed manner.
Excitement gave me fluent speech — fictitious
brilliancy. I knew he watched me from under
his shielding hand, and blushed and paled con
tinually. My plan for his escape was simple
enough. Disguised as a Confederate soldier he
could go out with Uncle Ned some night on a
foraging expedition.

" And what if I am detected, and it is known
that you aided me to escape ? " he said, rather
coldly.

" I will bear all the blame."

" It would redound much more to your credit,
as a faithful rebel, to hand me over as a prisoner
— your prisoner."

His cold, bitter tone wounded me.

"I am not capable of such treachery!" I
cried, rising.

A FAIR REBEL. 185

"But you are treacherous to your govern
ment, in delivering me from it."

"It is not your place to reproach me with
that, Captain Lambert," I exclaimed, hotly.
" I am willing to help you escape, but if you
prefer imprisonment to freedom, take your
choice, by all means: I will leave you to think
the matter over."

"Stay, Rachel — Miss Douglas, stay!" he
cried, rising and following me ; his voice
trembling with physical weakness, as well as
emotion.

" It 'pears to me like dis fire needs more
wood on it," muttered Uncle Ned, and dis
creetly left the room.

I hesitated. It was not inviting weather for
a walk, and I could not make a dignified exit
by climbing into the loft again, so I returned
to the fire. Arnold came to my side.

" Rachel, why do you behave so capriciously,
strangely, toward me ? You admitted that you
loved me, and I have been counting on the
time when I should be released from that infer-

1 86 ADVENTURES OF

nal bed and could see you, yet you give me no
hope, no kindly greeting, even."

" You know what stands between us," I said
in a low tone, stealing a swift glance at his face
to note the effect of my words. It changed, but
not guiltily.

" Is it possible you will let ^z/ influence you
so deeply ? "

" I cannot help it, as long as you fail to justi
fy yourself or explain the matter."

"There is no justification or explanation to
make. It was simply a question of principle,"
he said firmly. " I do not repent, though I have
suffered, and suffered greatly."

I did not fully understand him, but with my
usual rashness supposed that I knew enough to
decide my course. Pride and jealousy blinded
my good sense, my judgment.

" It has nothing to do with our love, Rachel,"
he said, softly.

" It has everything to do with it ! " I cried,
convinced that he intended to deceive me.
" You are not free to love me under the cir-

A FAIR REBEL. 187

cumstances, and I will not accept happiness
built on such a foundation."

He caught my arm, his pale face turning a
shade whiter.

' ' Do you mean that you refuse to be my wife ? "

-I do."

He turned away and sat down.

" You have never loved me, then."

I made no answer, for already I felt blinded
and choked with tears. I hastily threw on my
cloak and went out into the wet twilight.

It was left to Uncle Ned to secure a grey uni
form for Captain Lambert, and the next morn
ing he triumphantly displayed a weather-stained
suit he had stolen from the camp. I held no
more private speech with Captain Lambert for
two days, then he sent word to me that he in
tended to try to pass through the lines that
night. I spent the day at the hospital, but after
dusk went up to the cabin. New guards were
on around the camp that night, and Uncle Ned
had made the acquaintance of one of them.
The weather had cleared, but it was still wet

1 88 ADVENTURES OF

under foot and the crisp air was chilling to
those of thin blood. Captain Lambert looked
terribly ill-fitted for the perilous journey before
him, should he pass the picket-lines, and sick
ening dread oppressed my heart when he came
in to bid me good-bye, But I could not per
suade him to wait any longer, as, every day, he
ran a greater risk of detection. He tried to put
on a tone of formality in thanking me, but I
stopped him.

" Don't do that."

" It is foolish," he said. " It is hard to thank-
any one in set language for the great gift of life;
doubly hard when you love the person who
saves you. You like to see me in this garb ? "

" I do," I said frankly.

He took my hands.

" Am I to leave you finally, Rachel ? "

" Unless you can explain the past more satis
factorily."

"That is impossible. What I did seemed
right, and I must abide the consequences to the
end. Good-bye."

A FAIR REBEL. 189

" Oh, be careful of yourself ! "I cried. " It is
cruel to think of your facing hardships and perils
in your weakened health."

He made no reply, but went from the room,
and I heard him speaking to Uncle Ned. I
started forward to call him back, but jealous
pride held my tongue silent, and their footsteps
died away in the rain-soaked earth.

The night crept on, the tedious hours lapsing,
one by one, into the past. I kept a lonely vigil,
for my friends came in only to seek rest. From
time to time I fed fuel to the fire, or looked at
my watch. It was midnight when Uncle Ned
crept cautiously through the yard and into the
room. I sprang up and looked at him as he
came within range of the firelight, and read suc
cess in his tired face.

" He passed through ?"

" Safe ennuff, honey, "a satisfied smile running
along his wrinkled cheeks.

" Where is he now ? "

" On his way to Chattanooga,! 'spect. He didn'
look fit to take keer o' hisself, he was so weak."

IQO ADVENTURES OF

" Did he seem cheerful after passing safely
through the lines ? "

The old negro gave me a shrewd, sidelong
glance.

" No, honey; he 'pear like a man full o' sor
row."

I went silently up to the loft. Mary lay on
the bed, and the candle-light on her eyelids
roused her.

" What is it, Rachel?" she murmured, look
ing curiously at me.

" Can we go to Atlanta to-morrow ?"

" Are you ready ? "

" Yes ; I loathe this place."

A FAIR REBEL. IQI

CHAPTER XVI.

HISTORY has dealt fully and justly by the
great campaign beginning with the battle of
Chickamauga. It is one of the most important
in the annals of the war, and displays as much
strategy as military skill and power. My pen
cannot add anything new to the accounts al
ready given. I spent the early part of the
winter at home, the peaceful plantation life a
strange contrast to the stormy scenes through
which I had just passed. Uncle Ned and I
were received and rejoiced over as coming out
of the jaws of death, and I know the old man
entertained the "quarters" with many a lurid
story of adventure and danger in which he
prominently figured.

At first my bruised spirit welcomed the
security and monotonous tranquillity of the
plantation. To lie once more between the
smooth lavender-scented linen of my bed, with

192 ADVENTURES OF

Aunt Milly hovering around me; to dine from
the old china, every leaf and bud on it associat
ed with some childish memory; to walk and
ride with my cousins, or sit in the parlor at
twilight and sing for Uncle Charles, with
George Washington and some of my own
ancestors looking down from their frames in
ghostly silence on me, all these familiar things,
repeated day after day, made those weeks in
the camp-hospital seem almost like a dream.
Not quite, though, for I could never forget
Arnold Lambert. Through a cloud of distrust
and vain regret I saw him constantly. Now
that it was all over I could look back with
clearer vision, could realize that some mis
understanding must have existed between us.
I couldn't tell wherein I had failed to catch his
meaning, but the more I thought over those
conversations with him, the stronger became
doubts of my judgment in the matter.

I had full opportunity for brooding during
the idle winter days and long evenings. I had
no work to occupy my hands or my thoughts.

A FAIR REBEL. 193

It was not necessary to even wait upon myself,
with so many slaves about the place, and Aunt
Milly jealously watchful to anticipate my small
est desires. Beyond losing two or three men
who had run away to join the Federal army, my
uncle had not been troubled about his negroes.
They remained peaceable and obedient.

But the war had at last laid its hand of terror
on the household. Cousin Reuben had been
home once on a week's furlough, but had re
turned to the front again. His letters were
necessarily brief and far between, and the
haunting dread written ever on Alicia's face was
grievous to witness. She said little, but her
patient silence seemed more pathetic than
speech. Sometimes, when she took her place
behind the coffee-urn at the breakfast-table, her
eyes would betray the evidence of secretly shed
tears, and sometimes they would shine with the
calm exaltation of prayer.

She but suffered as thousands of other women
all over the country.

It was on the twenty-fourth of November
13

194 ADVENTURES OF

that the battle on Lookout Mountain — since
called "the battle among the clouds" — was
fought. We first read an account of it in the
Intelligencer, one of the Atlanta newspapers,
then Alicia received a letter from Cousin Reu
ben from which I quote this passage: —

" The night was intensely dark. We were
stationed on Missionary Ridge, and in full view
of the battle-ground, but fog and clouds ob
scured Lookout until after midnight. It was
hideous work, fighting in the dark, and I felt
doubtful of ever seeing daylight again, but
suddenly clouds and mist rolled away and the
darkness was illuminated by a lurid blaze of
light from the artillery and small arms, and
the whole mountain side was like a magnificent
panorama. It was a fearful sight, my dear
Alicia, but one marvellous to look upon.
Every beetling crag and seamy ravine, from
the summit of the mountain to its base, seemed
to belch forth fire and death. It was like the
unveiling of hell before our eyes."

After this battle was fought Alicia and I

A FAIR REBEL. 195

read the Intelligencer every day, she on account
of Cousin Reuben, and I to see if, by any
chance, Arnold Lambert's name should appear
in its columns. But active hostilities ceased
for a time, and a sigh of relief and thanksgiv
ing went through the land. In midwinter I
was recalled to Atlanta. The Amateurs had
come together again, and were rehearsing a
new play at the Athenaeum. I traveled with
them again, finding diversion but not forgetful-
ness in change of scene and the excitement
of appearing before a new audience every
night. Two vacancies in the company had to
be filled. Lieutenant Devreau was at the front
with the army, and Elinor Sims could not
leave home on account of her grandfather's
precarious health. The first of February we
were in Atlanta again, and the entire company
received an invitation to the wedding of Miss
Sims to Lieutenant Devreau. He had only a
ten-days' furlough, and as the marriage had
been arranged after his arrival in Atlanta,
scant preparations had been made for it.

196 ADVENTURES OF

The news came upon me with a shock, for I
had not thought that they would really marry,
but after thinking it over, I could not see that
it would in any way change my destiny.

They were married in Wesley Chapel just
at dusk one evening, and the bride wore her
mother's wedding-gown, a silk softly yellowed
by time and covered with lace flounces.

" That is her brother," I heard one lady be
hind me whisper to another, as a pale young
soldier walked up the aisle and stood by
Judge Lenoir.

" What a pity about the other one ! "

"Oh, they feel it intensely, and are so sensi
tive that they never mention his name."

The beginning of the ceremony stopped the
gossip, and I heard no more.

The day after the wedding we went to the
reception tendered to General John H. Morgan
by the citizens of Atlanta, and heard some
brilliant rebel speeches. The feeling had be
come general that the Federal forces were
aiming to capture Atlanta, if possible, but so

A FAIR REBEL. IQ7

far the Confederates were still confident of suc
cess. Later, when the armies were moving
gradually southward, fighting over every inch
of the ground, the Intelligencer had this to say
about the importance of Atlanta:

" Situated as Atlanta is, it is the only link that
binds Georgia with the Southwestern States.
* * * * With Atlanta in the possession of the
enemy, therefore, a powerful blow would be in
flicted upon the Southern cause, for Florida
would have to succumb at the same time."

The year advanced into spring, and the situ
ation grew more and more serious. Troops
were organized for local defense, and general
preparations were made for the worst. But the
newspapers affected to be still perfectly fear
less, and grew sarcastic over the gravity fall
ing like a pall upon the city. I quote from one:

" On the street, every minute, the ravens are
croaking. Do you hear them ? There is a knot
of them on the corner, shaking their heads,
with long faces and restless eyes. * * * * But

IQS ADVENTURES OF

have no fear of the results, for we keep it con
stantly and confidently before us that General
Johnston and his great, invincible satellites are
working out the problem of battle and victory
on the great chess-board at the front."

A most curious religious phase developed
itself that spring and summer. It seemed the
direct result of the suspense and anxiety op
pressing the people. The churches were open
daily, and crowded with devout worshipers,
some seeking salvation, others invoking the aid
of the Almighty in defeating the encroaching
enemy. The ordinary pursuits of life were
suspended, or lost all their interest and im
portance. A crisis was approaching and, hu
man resources failing, a great cry for spiritual
help went up from the city daily. The excite
ment spread among all classes, and it was no
uncommon thing to hear prayers and the sing
ing of hymns while passing along the streets.

There was something primitive and touching
about it; but, with the battle of Chickamauga

A FAIR REBEL. IQQ

still a vivid memory to me, it seemed utterly
inconsistent to mix the gospel of Christ with
violence and bloodshed; to pray for victory
when it involved a life-and-death struggle be
tween men and brothers. I didn't give expres
sion to my thoughts, but when I prayed it was
not for the overthrow of the enemy, but for
peace.

One day the Ladislaws invited me to drive
with them. We were passing through the out
skirts of the city, where tranquillity reigned,
and flower - gardens bloomed with pastoral
freshness, when a dull and muffled boom fell
upon our ears. We exchanged glances, and for
a moment my heart grew faint.

" What is it, Henry?" Mary Ladislaw asked
her husband, her lip trembling slightly.

" Cannon," he said, briefly.

It was the first sound of battle heard in At
lanta. We drove slowly through the streets.
People were coming out on their piazzas, stop
ping on the corners to listen.

" What is the matter, mamma ? " a little child

2OO ADVENTURES OF

cried to his mother. She snatched him up, and
went on with blanched face.

We met a soldier.

" Do you hear that ? " he cried to Ladislaw,
tightening his sword-belt, his face excited and
flushed. " They are bound to come, it seems;
but we'll give them such a reception that they
will not stay long."

He walked on with martial tread, lustily
singing a strain from " Dixie."

The next evening, as I came out of a church
at dusk, I met two ladies in the vestibule.
They were both tall and slight and dressed in
black. Their silk mantillas were folded about
their bent shoulders, and old-fashioned bon
nets, with peaked fronts, covered their heads
and shielded their faces. But I was struck with
a certain familiarity of attitude and outline, and
was in nowise surprised, when they turned tow
ard me, to discover Miss Sarah Ann Mande-
ville and her sister, Miss Jane. They looked
pale and worn,- and had the helpless, bewildered
manner of people set adrift in a strange world.

A FAIR REBEL. 2OI

CHAPTER XVII.

THEY had a piteous story to tell me of the
adventures they had passed through since we
parted at the camp-hospital. Their home had
been destroyed by the invading army, and
their slaves were all scattered, except three or
four old servants who still clung to them.
They were on their way to Augusta, where
their relatives lived, but had stopped over in
Atlanta and joined the relief corps again.

" We have only our clothes and a few family
relics with us," said Miss Sarah Ann.

" And what money we could secrete," added
Miss Jane.

" Did they rob you ? " I inquired, with a shud
der.

" The common soldiers, the rabble, confis
cated and destroyed everything they could lay
their hands on."

2O2 ADVENTURES OF

"What if they come to Atlanta?" I ex
claimed.

" It will be laid waste," said Miss Sarah Ann,
solemnly, " laid waste."

" I will not grieve about the property," said
Miss Jane; " but when I think of all those nig
gers we have always been kind to, running
away as though they were glad to be free, it
makes me indignant. What will become of
them without a mistress, I don't know."

" Perhaps they think that they can take care
of themselves," I suggested.

She shook her head incredulously, then
glided to the subject of their work among the
soldiers.

Miss Sarah Ann sighed.

" But it seems so little we can do."

" And the poor fellows need so much care
and attention," said Miss Jane.

''Jane was quite broken down last winter,
and we had to leave the hospital and go home."

That caused them to wander into reminis
cences of the camp-hospitals, and Miss Jane

A FAIR REBEL. 2O3

asked me if I had ever heard anything more of
the Federal officer we nursed in the cabin. I was
glad the gathering darkness hid my changing
countenance from her mild eyes. I hastened
to assure her that I had not. Before we sepa
rated I learned where they were stopping, and
promised to see them again in a few days. I
paused on the street corner, and watched them
as they walked slowly away, drawing closely
to each other, as though they felt their solitari
ness.

The days seemed to hurry by us, each one
bringing the Federal army a little nearer
Atlanta. The city remained quiet. A few
frightened people, who cared not which way
the struggle ended, so they and their personal
property were saved, fled to Canada and other
secure refuges. The Intelligencer continued to
give the most hopeful accounts of the situation,
and to express the utmost confidence in John
ston's ultimate victory. It was the policy of the
paper to keep down fear as much as possible.

The Amateurs disbanded again in June, but

204 ADVENTURES OF

I did not leave the city. Now, if ever, the
services of both men and women were needed
in the defense of the country, and I could not
allow my friends to be braver, more self-sacri
ficing than I. Mr. Ladislaw joined the troops
organized for local defense, and Mary and I
visited the hospitals daily, where the Mande-
ville sisters were faithfully at work.

Returning from St. Phillip's Hospital one
evening, I passed Judge Lenoir's place, and,
leaving my servants at the gate, I ran in to see
Elinor (Mrs. Devreau) a few minutes. Since
the disbanding of the Amateurs we had not met
very often, and after her marriage I seemed to
dislike her less than formerly. Personal pre
judices were lost sight of, too, in sympathy for
the Confederate cause. An impulse carried me
in to see her that night — an irresistible impulse.
Fate I could have called it. The old negro man
who admitted me seemed singularly confused
for a well-trained servant. He shuffled his feet,
and stammered when I called for Elinor:

" Is you come to see Miss Elinor ? " he asked.

A FAIR REBEL. 20$

" Certainly," I replied, imperiously, "but if
she is engaged "

" I'll — I'll ax her," he stammered, reluctantly
allowing me to enter the hall.

The parlor was dark, and I turned toward
the library. He clutched helplessly at my arm
as I passed through the doorway.

" Not in dar, Miss — honey," he cried; then,
seeing that it was too late, threw up his hands
with a despairing gesture: "For de Lawd's
sake, what is I gwine do now ? "

" Go call your mistress," I said, out of all
patience with his strange behavior.

" Yes 'm, I is, right now," and he crept down
the hall.

The library was divided from Judge Lenoir's
apartment by folding-doors. They were pushed
back that evening, and only a heavy portiere
hung over the entrance. I heard voices the
moment I entered the library. They came
from the judge's room. First Elinor's, low and
tremulous; then the old man's, excited and
harsh:

206 ADVENTURES OF

" It is not worth while to utter one pleading-
word for him, Elinor. He has forfeited his own
honor, and disgraced us. Sir, why have you
forced yourself into my presence again ? "

"To persuade you, if possible, to leave the
city," came in firm tones I instantly recognized
as Captain Lambert's. The blood raced from
heart to cheek, then back again, leaving me
white as a ghost. For my life I could not re
sist the temptation to approach that portiere,
to lay hold of its thick folds, and draw them
sufficiently aside to look into the room. I
had no intention of playing the spy, of dis
covering secrets it was not my right to know.
The desire to look once more on Arnold Lam
bert drew me to the spot.

Judge Lenoir lay on his bed propped up with
pillows, his handsome old face flushed with
anger, implacable, bitter anger, and Arnold
stood at the bedside with Elinor near him, and
Mrs. Sims in a chair beyond, weeping hysteri
cally. The old servant was hovering around
the door vainly trying to attract Elinor's atten-

A FAIR REBEL. 2O?

tion with frantic gestures. My eyes fastened on
the two men.

''Yes, it is in keeping with your villainy to
counsel me to play the coward, now that At
lanta is threatened. What are your plans, may
I ask ? " said the judge with a bitter sneer.

" To send you, my mother and sister to New
York," Captain Lambert replied.

I clung to the portiere to save myself from
falling. His mother ! his sister ! could he be
Elinor's brother instead of her lover ?

" You will find friends there," he continued.

" Your friends ! "

"Yes, and yours, grandfather. Atlanta is
lost to the Confederacy. It is only a question
of a few weeks before it will be in our hands,
and I — I want you away from it, grandfather, in
a place of safety."

" Never ! " he cried in a resonant tone, lifting
himself from his pillows. " Begone from my
presence, sir, and never let me see your face
again ! You are the most contemptible thing in
creation, a traitor and renegade! Think of me

208 ADVENTURES OF

deserting my country in her hour of greatest
need ! "

" My mother and sister, then —

" Your mother and sister will remain here
with me. Go! You could not remember them
when you chose to enter the Federal service.
You were willing to mortify them, disgrace
them, in the eyes of all loyal Southerners by
your conduct."

" Grandfather ! dear grandfather ! " pleaded
Elinor.

" Let him hear the truth. He has brought it
upon himself. I forbade him this house over a
year ago."

" You know why I entered the Federal ser
vice. It was for the sake of the Union."

" What do I care for the Union? There has
been no real Union for a quarter of a century.
We have a government."

" But one that must fall."

" Liar ! must you insult me ? "

" Go, Arnold, please go, but don't leave the
house," said Elinor.

A FAIR REBEL. 2OQ

" Yes, yes, my darling," wept his mother,
wringing her hands distractedly.

He turned once more to the bed, as though
to plead for a kinder farewell, but the old man
only waved him off with a fierce gesture, then
fell back on the pillows, exhausted, laboring
for breath. The two women bent over him, ap
plying such remedies for his relief as they had
at hand, and Arnold left the room.

I sank into a chair, overcome by the scene
and the knowledge that I had made such a mis
take. I could see that pride and self-confidence
had caused it. I would not allow any one to
explain because I felt so sure that I understood
the situation. I had condemned Elinor, and
heaped suffering on myself and perhaps on him.
I heard his steps in the hall, heard him speak to
the servant. I sprang up and ran through the
room to the door, seized with a frantic fear that
he had gone. A light had been placed in the
parlor and the old negro stood like a sentinel
in the doorway.

" Where is he ? " I cried, but he scowled

210 ADVENTURES OF

fiercely and held out a menacing arm. I pushed
it aside and ran into the parlor. Arnold sat on
the lounge, his face buried in his hands. I knelt
before him, clasped his head in my arms, and
pressed it against my shoulder.

" Dear Elinor, don't be so grieved. I should
not have come. I ought to have known better,"
he said, with the sound of tears in his low voice.
My eyes overflowed.

" It is not Elinor," I whispered.

" Rachel ! " he cried, and lifted his head to
look into my eyes; then my face, so near his
own, was drawn nearer still. The tears on my
cheeks met his.

******

"So," he said sadly, when I had explained
my presence in the house, "you are sorry for
me, Rachel?"

" More than sorry," I said, tenderly, thinking
more of comforting him than of the fact that
his feelings toward me might have changed.

" Forgive me; I cannot believe that; I cannot
trust in your love, Rachel. At this moment

A FAIR REBEL. 211

your sympathies are roused, you are soft and
tender, but to-morrow —

"You may trust me noiv" I said, blushing,
but firm.

44 Why now, more than any other time ?
Dearest, I am still a soldier in the Federal ser
vice, the same conditions exist that —

" No, no ! let me explain!" I cried, and ris
ing and sitting down at the other end of the
lounge, I began the story. Before I had said a
dozen words he was at my side, listening
eagerly; then his arm clasped my waist, and I
finished the recital leaning against him.

Elinor came hurriedly in, but stopped with a
cry of astonishment. I left Arnold to make
explanation to her; then I went up and in my
new humility said:

" I don't deserve pardon for wronging you
so, but my mean jealousy would not allow me
to hear any explanation from you."

She took me into her arms and kissed me
warmly.

"I am too glad the mystery is cleared up,

212 ADVENTURES OF

and that you and Arnold are happy, to cherish
any resentment, Rachel."

" How is grandfather ? " Arnold suddenly
inquired, a shade of stern remembrance cross
ing his face.

" He is resting quietly, and mother will be in
shortly."

I dreaded her entrance, but she showed such
pathetic surprise and pleasure that I should
love Arnold in spite of his faithlessness to
country and duty, that I felt sympathy for him
rather than embarrassment on my own account.

"I am proud to love him!" I cried, swept
away out of natural womanly reserve by the
peculiar conditions surrounding us. What I
would have bitterly condemned in another, I
freely forgave in him. Such is the power and
the injustice of love.

" My dearest, I wish that I could make you
my wife within the hour ! " he exclaimed, lifting
my hand to his lips. "I must be out of the
city again before daylight."

"If Rachel is willing, why can you not

A FAIR REBEL. 213

marry ? " said Elinor, eager to do all that she
could to promote his happiness.

The proposition coming so suddenly took my
breath away. I knew myself to be of age, and
capable of using my own judgment, but to de
cide so serious a matter in a few minutes

" Why, Elinor ! " gasped her mother.

I met Arnold's pleading eyes, and all hesita
tion vanished.

" Will you, Rachel ? " he whispered. " You
owe it to me for being so cruel at Chicka-
mauga."

" Wait ! Arnold, wait ! How can such a thing
be arranged ? If it's known that you are in the
city you will be arrested, perhaps shot as a
spy ! " exclaimed his mother, roused from her
usually weak and languid manner by his peril.

" We can trust Mr. Elkin," said Elinor, " and
no one else need know it for the present, but
Rachel has not spoken yet. Don't let my self
ish desire to gratify Arnold's wishes influence
you, but if you love him, the sacrifice '

" Is no sacrifice to me," I interrupted, thrill-

214 ADVENTURES OF

ing with inexpressible feelings of fear and joy.
To be hastily and secretly married had never
entered the wildest, most romantic flights of
my imagination, but it seemed foolish, under
the circumstances, to refuse. I didn't want to
refuse, either.

" Rachel, how I love you for this ! " said Ar
nold, passionately. " Dearest, you shall never
repent it — never ! "

I have only a confused recollection of the
next hour. Elinor and Arnold planned the
whole affair; then she ordered the carriage and
went away to make all the arrangements. As
she went out I bethought myself of Uncle Ned
and Aunt Milly for the first time. I ran out on
the piazza, and found them sitting with their
backs to the wall, fast asleep. Elinor sent
them to the servants' quarters.

" Is you gwine to stay all night, too, honey ? "
said Uncle Ned, awake and alert in an instant.

" Yes, I have decided to stay," I replied, in
a tremulous tone. I longed to have them in
to witness my marriage. It seemed a little

A FAIR REBEL. 215

sad and strange that none of my own people
could be with me; but I dared not trust them
with the secret.

<( Don't you need me, Miss Rachel ? " Aunt
Milly asked; " co'se you does."

" No, I shall do without your services to
night."

I left Arnold and his mother alone, and went
to the room where Elinor had laid out one of
her white muslin gowns for me. Mrs. Sims
offered to help me dress, but I knew she was
longing to be with her son, and declined her
services. Alone and unaided I dressed for my
own wedding.

2l6 ADVENTURES OF

CHAPTER XVIII.

IT was a simple task. The borrowed gown did
not fit me very well, but it was white and soft — an
Indian fabric of silken texture, and easily adjust
ed. I braided my hair afresh, and fastened a white
rose in it. My face flushed and paled; my eyes
burned with excitement. I sat down and tried
to compose myself; then walked about the
room. At one moment I was tempted to go
down and tell Arnold I could not be married
until a more fitting time and season; the next,
I wondered at my own good fortune in being
so nearly his wife. Never bride passed through
so many phases of feeling in so short a time
before. I thought of Uncle Charles and the
girls, of Alicia's wedding, of Elinor's wed
ding, of all the weddings I had ever known
anything about, but none of them seemed so
strange as mine. The house was silent as the

A FAIR REBEL.

grave. I leaned from the open window and
looked out on the city. Sentinel lights flashed
here and there; the slow, even tread of a sol
dier fell on my ears. I raised my eyes, the sky
was overcast with a thin veil of cloud — a vapor
— through which the stars gleamed faintly, and
the moon shone in a watery ring.

" It will rain to-morrow," I was conscious
of saying aloud.

All my perceptions were so quickened that
the lightest trifles impressed me. I noticed the
rustle of the wind through the foliage ; and the
awakening notes of a mocking-bird, nesting in
a tree on the lawn, came to me with piercing
sweetness.

A gentle rap on the room-door startled me.

" It is I," said Mrs. Sims's voice; and, when I
bade her enter, she came in with a bouquet of
long-stemmed bride roses.

" Arnold gathered them in the garden for
you."

I blushed, and stretched out my hand for
them. They were wet with dew.

2l8 ADVENTURES OF

" Shall I — shall I wear them ? " I said, hesi
tatingly.

" Carry them in your hand," she replied, after
a glance at my toilet.

We stood in embarrassed silence for a mo
ment.

" This — this marriage seems a strange affair,
Miss Douglas."

" Do you think I ought not to have consent
ed to it ? "

" Oh, no; you understand your feelings best.
I only hope it will prove a fortunate one." She
came closer to me, laid her hands on my
shoulders, and kissed me. "Love him well,
Rachel."

I looked at her. Her face seemed strangely
old and sad in the candle-light. For the first
time I realized that she was Arnold's mother,
and soon to be mine.

" Why has he a different name from yours ? "
I suddenly asked.

" He is the child of my first marriage." She
turned the rings musingly on her long, deli-

A FAIR REBEL. 2 19

cate hands. " I cannot blame him so bitterly
for fighting against the South. His father's
people live in New York, and he has spent
several years with them."

" What will Judge Lenoir say when he hears
of — that I am Captain Lambert's wife ? "

" He is Colonel Lambert now. Oh! father ?"
— catching at the first part of my question, while
a spasm of pain crossed her face — " that you
were inveigled into it; that no Southern girl,
uninfluenced, would marry him. Father is very
bitter." She looked sadly about the room un-
till her eyes rested on a Bible. " Have you
prayed, Rachel ? "

" Prayed? no," I said.

" Then I will leave you until you do. All
brides should pray before going to the altar—
my daughter."

She said it very sweetly and solemnly, and
glided from the room. I knelt down with
Arnold's roses pressed to my breast, but before
I had composed my mind to a suitable state
for prayer Elinor entered the room.

220 ADVENTURES OF

" All ready ? " she cried, her eyes sparkling.
"Mr. Elkin is waiting, and I hear Arnold call
ing us."

Fear seized me like a panic.

" We have been too hasty, Elinor."

"Would you send him away, coldly promis
ing to marry him at the close of the war, pro
vided he lives through it ? What difference
can a few months or years make ? Would it
not be some satisfaction to know you bore his
name, if he fell in battle ? Oh, Rachel, the
chances of life in the war are very uncertain."

She took my hand and we silently descended
the stairs. Arnold met us at the foot, and
drawing my arm through his, led me into the
parlor. Strength and courage came back to
me. I felt suddenly very calm and collected.
There were two gentlemen in the room, one
white-haired and of priestly aspect, the other
a young man, and, I afterward learned, a great
friend of Arnold's.

Elinor closed the doors, drew the curtains
more closely over the windows, then we took

A FAIR REBEL. 221

our places. Mrs. Sims wept gently but quite
audibly throughout the ceremony, but no
other sound was heard save the voice of the
minister. I caught myself listening for the
sound of stealthy footsteps in the hall; I notic
ed the ghostly flicker of the candle-light on
the portraits decorating the walls. A few
words, a few responses, a prayer and blessing,
and I was no longer Rachel Douglas but
Rachel Lambert. I was embraced and kissed
by my new mother and sister, and congratu
lated by the gentlemen. Mr. Elkin made out
a marriage certificate, and it was signed and
given to me.

It was approaching midnight, and the gentle
men soon prepared to leave again. Elinor,
who seemed positively gay after the conclusion
of the ceremony, pressed them to stay a little
longer, and with her own hands brought in
wine and biscuit for their refreshment. The
clocks of the city struck twelve as they went
away. My husband and I had scarcely ex
changed a word. We were standing together

222 ADVENTURES OF

when Elinor returned to the room, but she
pushed him gently away.

" Mother wishes to speak to you, Arnold. I
know the time is precious, dear, and that you
wish to talk with Rachel. I only want to whis
per one word in her ear, then we'll leave you
alone."

She drew me to a distant part of the room.
" Rachel, do you know why I have so eagerly
promoted this marriage ? "

" To please your brother," I said.

"And to keep him with us. He loves you
desperately. I saw it at once, and you can ex
ert great influence over him. Use it to the ut
most. Command, entreat, weep; refuse to go
with him, and assure him that it will break
your heart if he leaves you. A man cannot
fight against his wife; -he must never go back
to the Federal service again."

The temptation she presented stunned me.
I stared at Arnold sitting on the opposite side
of the room with his mother, noted the
strength and firmness of his face, and breathed

A FAIR REBEL. 223

with relief. I should not be able to move him
from any right purpose or deep-seated convic
tion; then he raised his glance, met mine, and
smiled with such melting tenderness of lip and
eye, that I feared I could do as I wished with
him.

" What if he refuses ? " I whispered, huskily.

" He will have to leave us within an hour;
run all the risk of being captured, imprisoned,
or shot as a spy; but he will not go, he must
not go, Rachel ! If you love him, you will keep
him with you."

She walked away from me, and she and her
mother left the room. I stood palpitating with
all the fear and shyness ot a young girl, as my
husband crossed the room to me. Could I per
suade him to remain with me ? He drew me to
a seat at his side on the lounge; took me into
his arms with fond words of endearment. I
leaned, cold and trembling, on his breast.

" It is cruel to have to leave you so quickly,"
he said.

" Must you do it ? " I faltered.

224 ADVENTURES OF

" Yes, or be in such danger as I could scarcely
escape. It was an undertaking of great risk to
come, but I don't regret, now that it has brought
us together — made you my wife."

" Tell me the strongest motives leading you
to enlist in the Federal service," I said at length.

"What, would you spend these last precious
moments in talking of the war ? "

" I want to know what prompted you to fight
against your own country."

" Dearest, I am fighting for my country.
The Southern States represent only a portion
of the United States," and then he gave me a
brief but clear and eloquent account of the
change in his view of the slavery question when
he went North. It was for the preservation of
the Union that he took up arms, that he was
ready to give his life.

" I was tempted to go abroad; to live in Paris
until the agitation was over, the question set
tled; but that seemed such a cowardly thing to
do that I gave up the thought of it. It has not
been easy to fight against my brother."

A FAIR REBEL. 225

" He lay wounded at the same time that you
did," I murmured.

"At Chickamauga ? "

"Yes."

" Every step toward Atlanta has cost me a
pang."

" Give it up ! " I cried, and threw my arms
about him.

"What shall I do, then?"

" Stay with me," faintly.

He raised my face; looked into my eyes, his
own stern and sad.

" Do you counsel me to do that, Rachel ? I
would then, indeed, be the traitor my grand
father called me."

" No, no; I have been tempted, but I will not
say another word. Do as you think best, Ar
nold, and I will abide by the decision."

I started up; he rose also, and caught my
hands.*

" Rachel, I cannot leave you in this city. I will
send for you, and you must come to me. My rel
atives in New York will gladly shelter you—
is

226 ADVENTURES OF

44 Nay ! " I cried, " be true to the Union, if
you wish, but I must also be true to the Con
federacy — the South. I will wait for you in my
own country, among my own people."

" But how can I lift my hand against At
lanta, knowing that my wife is in it ? Rachel,
Rachel, what shall I do ?"

I was silent, for I knew that if I opened my
lips to speak I should say, " Stay and protect
me ; " I should counsel him against his honor.
The temptation to try and hold him at my side
had not seemed so strong as at that moment.
I sank into a chair, and hid my face in my hands.
He caressed my hair.

" Forgive me, dearest, for distressing you so.
I will not fight against Atlanta. I can exchange;
go to some other post of duty. Look up ! we
have only a few minutes now. We will speak
no more of war, but of love. Do you see this
badge ? " drawing a ribbon from his Docket,
stamped with the colors of the Union. "No
matter where I go, if anything happens to me
— I mean, if I die away from you — this will

A FAIR REBEL. 22/

come with the date of my death marked
on it."

Half an hour later I knelt by the window in
that upper room where I had dressed for my
marriage, alone. I did not weep, but the pain
of death seemed to hold my heart. Once Elinor
came in, but went softly out again. The rosy
dawn shone over the city before my vigil
ended.

228 ADVENTURES OF

CHAPTER XIX.

MARY LADISLAW was puzzled at the sudden
intimacy which sprang up between Judge Le-
noir's family and me. I visited at the house
almost daily, and when I did not go, Elinor
came to see me. It seemed best to keep Ar
nold's visit to the city a profound secret, so my
marriage could not be published. Elinor did
not reproach me for not keeping her ^brother,
but I knew she suffered bitter disappointment.

" Grandfather was so proud of him that it
was a terrible blow when he entered the Fed
eral service. We were expecting him home
daily, when the letter came announcing the
step he had taken," she said once, in a moment
of confidence.

We talked about him a great deal, and but
for that and the wedding-ring I wore, I could
have fancied that night a dream, so little

A FAIR REBEL. 22Q

change had marriage wrought in my life. The
wedding-ring had been given by Mrs. Sims,
and it was an opal set in small diamonds. She
had drawn it hastily from her finger during the
ceremony, and then gave it to Arnold. Mary
noticed it on my hand one day.

" A new jewel, Rachel ? "

"No, no; an old one, and a gift," I said,
hastily.

She turned it over, watching its mysterious
fire gleam and pale.

" Do you know the old superstition about
opals ? "

" Yes; but I am not superstitious."

" I would not care to wear one, though."

I have neglected to mention that, four days
after his secret entrance and departure from
the city, we received a cautiously worded mes
sage from Arnold announcing his safe return
to the Federal lines. I carried that slip of
paper in my bosom until it fell to pieces.

The strange experiences I had been passing
through caused my thoughts to turn home-

230 ADVENTURES OF

ward. I felt that I must make known my mar
riage to Uncle Charles and the girls. I should
like, especially, I thought, to talk it over with
Alicia. I went over to see Elinor one morn
ing, full of plans for the visit, but I found her
reading a letter, and looking very much agi
tated. Fear clutched my heart.

"Is it Arnold?" I cried.

"No, it is Royal. He has been wounded,
and lies in a cabin near Marietta."

I took the paper from her hands — a sheet of
the coarse, brown-colored note-paper manu
factured by the Confederacy — and read the few
lines scrawled upon it. He feared that she
would see his name in the list of wounded pub
lished in the Intelligencer, and wrote to reas
sure her. His wounds were not dangerous, and
the old woman who lived in the cabin took ex
cellent care of him. It was a very cheerful mes
sage, but Elinor refused to believe it a true one.

"You may be sure, Rachel, that he is far
worse off than he will admit. I must go to him
at once."

A FAIR REBEL. 23!

" I think you are unnecessarily alarmed," I
ventured to say, remonstratingly. " I am sure
Lieutenant Devreau would not deceive you."

" To spare my feelings he would. You don't
realize how great my anxiety is. Then, it
seems to me that it is a wife's duty to be at
her husband's side when he is ill or suffering."

" How shall we go ? " — for already I had de
cided to go with her.

" Why, will you go with me, Rachel ? "

" Certainly; but I warn you that it will be a
rough trip, Elinor. Shall we take a private con
veyance ? "

" I think that would be safer than the rail
road."

"What will your mother and grandfather
say?"

" Mother is easily managed, and grandfather
needn't know it until we are gone."

So for the third time I took an adventurous
journey through the country. By paying an
extravagant sum of money (Confederate money)
we hired a carriage and pair of horses for a

232 ADVENTURES OF

week. Elinor packed the roomy old vehicle
with fresh bed-linen, rolls of lint and bandages,
wine, jelly, preserved fruits, everything she
fancied would tempt an invalid's appetite, even
to a pair of young chickens.

" Where are we to sit? on the outside?" I
inquired, viewing all these preparations with a
touch of amusement.

" I thought we might ' scrouge ' in," she re
plied.

At the last moment she ran into the house
and brought out a gorgeously colored dress
ing-gown.

" I intended to give it to grandfather; but
I'll take it to Royal."

My two old servants were to accompany us,
and soon after noon we started. Uncle Ned
was our coachman, and Aunt Milly sat outside
with him. It was a very hot day, in the latter
part of June, and the dusty roads were baked
in the rays of the sun. We were ferried across
the Chattahoochee River by an old farmer,
who gave us careful directions as to the short-

A FAIR REBEL. 233

est and best route to Marietta. He admired
our courage; " But the he'plessness o' wimmen
is thar best pertection," he remarked, sagely.
Then he asked for the latest news from Atlan
ta, and I gave him a copy of the Intelligencer.

11 I'm kept that busy with the ferry I ain't
had no time to git in town this summer."

" You have a great many passengers?"

" A sight, a sight o' them. A lot o' fo'ks
air refugeein' before the Yankees — some o'
them tryin' tu save thar niggers." He chuckled
slightly. " I'm mighty glad I ain't got none
ter lose. Ain't you afeard tu take yourn up
thar ? "

"Oh, no," I hastened to say, while Uncle
Ned sniffed scornfully at the bare thought of
deserting his mistress, and Aunt Milly stared
indignantly.

" Sometimes fo'ks cross this ferry that I have
mighty strong doubts erbout," the old man
said, his thoughts taking a new turn. " I rica-
lect one man who wanted tu be put ercross, on
his way tu Marietty, one night, or ruthcr one

234 ADVENTURES OF

mornin', erbout daylight. He wus er fine-look-
in' fellow, but had er twang tu his voice not
exactly like ourn, an' I misdoubted he wus er
spy o' some sort. He kept his hat down
mighty fur over his face, an' paid me in gold
'ste'd o' Confederate money. I tried mighty
hard to trip him up with questions, but he had
er cunnin' tongue in his head, an' a mind like
lightnin' back o' it. He give er fair an' rea
sonable answer tu ever'thing I said."

"How long ago was this ? " Elinor careless
ly inquired.

" Several days — mebby two weeks, mebby
less."

She and I exchanged glances.

" It must have been Arnold," she whispered.

"I think so."

" Eh ? what did yer say? " the old ferryman
asked, quickly.

" That your adventures must be very inter
esting," said Elinor, promptly.

The shadows of approaching evening were
lengthening across the forests and fields as we

A FAIR REBEL. 235

drew near Marietta. We had traveled slowly,
and had been stopped several times on the
road by the curious country people, who not
only wanted to hear the latest gossip from
Atlanta, but also our destination. They were
dejected and uneasy. They had lived for
weeks within the sound of battle, and expected
the Federal armies to be upon them at any
time. Their corn-cribs and stock-pens had
been rifled by the stragglers belonging to
Johnston's army, and if their friends robbed
them, what would their foes not do ? An un
acknowledged desire for peace could be de
tected in all they said.

The sun had gone down behind Kennesaw
Mountain. On parched flower and dusty leaf
refreshing dew was already falling, and even
our jaded horses seemed to be grateful for the
change. Above the earth the air still seemed
to glow and palpitate with color and heat, and
the outlines of Lost Mountain melted into the
summer haze.

" Suppose we throw open the carriage, and

236 ADVENTURES OF

get the benefit of the evening air," I said, as
we were driving through a scope of woods.

" If you think it would be safe."

" Surely there is no danger now," I replied.
" We have been imprisoned in this stuffy thing
all the afternoon. I will speak to Uncle Ned."

Just as I leaned from the carriage window, a
squad of men came through the woods. I lik
ed not their looks, and instead of bidding Un
cle Ned halt I urged him in a low tone to drive
on as rapidly as possible, but they intercepted
us and surrounded the carriage. They were
our own men, for here and there a ragged grey
uniform lent its dignity to the gaunt, hungry-
looking crowd.

" Why do you stop us, gentlemen ? " I de
manded, as boldly as I could.

"What have you got in there?" said one
unkempt fellow in copperas- colored jeans,
peering through the carriage window. " Oho !
somethin' to drink ! " his eyes lighting up as
they fell on the neck of a wine-bottle sticking
out of the hamper at our feet.

A FAIR REBEL. 237

They relieved us of all the delicacies Elinor
had prepared for her husband, even dragging
the two terrified and screaming fowls from un
der the seat. Then they stood respectfully
back and allowed us to drive on. We were
too glad to get safely away to grieve over the
robbery, though Elinor did look disgusted, and
urged Uncle Ned to drive at a break-neck
speed for the remainder of the way. He needed
very little urging, for he and Aunt Milly were
both scared to specchlessness by the soldiers,
or robbers I should say, as they belonged to
the rabble element in the army, and not to the
soldiery.

" To think I should have only this old dress
ing-gown for him ! " said Elinor, after a long
and gloomy silence.

I laughed, feeling quite gay over our escape.

" Be thankful that they didn't take that."

At dusk we drew up before the cabin, after
having gone to various other houses along the
road to inquire for Mrs. Todd. She came to
the door as we entered the gate, and waited,

238 ADVENTURES OF

with her arms akimbo, until we reached the
doorstep, when she harshly demanded to know
what we wanted.

"Is Lieutenant Devreau here?" Elinor
eagerly inquired.

" I ain't sed 'e wus."

" I must see him if he is."

" I ain't sed you could do that, nuther."

" Woman, let me pass ! I am his wife," said
Elinor, haughtily.

"Why didn't you say that at fust?" cried
the old woman, stepping instantly back.

"Elinor, Elinor," cried Royal's voice from
the inner room. She ran through the house
with a little joyful cry, and I heard her weep
ing and laughing over him, then the soft mur
mur of their voices, after the first greetings
were ended.

"Ain't you comin', tu?" Mrs. Todd inquired
in a softer tone.

" Tell me, first, where we can put up our
horses."

"Horses! huh! they'll be tuk afore mornin'.

A FAIR REBEL. 239

Don't pester 'bout 'em." She stepped into the
yard, and seeing my servants muttered,
" More fo'ks ? Let 'em splurge while they kin,
they'll not keep thar niggers enny longer th'n
thar horses, in these diggin's." She pointed
out a small stable across the road. " Thar's
whar I kept Joe's filly 'tel hit was stoled. Hit's
the unly place I have for stock."

As we returned to the house I explained
how we had been robbed of our provisions, and
asked if we could have supper with her.

She smiled grimly.

" Hit's mighty pore truck fer sech fine cree-
turs as you ter eat."

" Anything to stay our hunger will do," I
said, as we entered the room.

A pine-knot blazed on the hearth, pouring a
flood of rosy light over the bare log walls and
sanded floor. The country woman and I took
a keen survey of each other. She was a tall,
powerful figure, and walked remarkably erect
for her age. Her face was brown and wrinkled
as a dead leaf, her thin hair almost white. She

240 ADVENTURES OF

had large bony hands and a masculine voice.
The hard lines of her face relaxed, her stern
eyes softened a little as they rested on me.

" Set down an' make yerself at home," she
said, gruffly kind, " an' I'll see what I kin git
fer yer supper."

It was poor and ill-cooked food we had that
night, and Elinor grimaced as we sat down at
the bare table, but former experiences had pre
pared me to accept our situation with a better
grace. Before retiring for the night, Elinor
informed me that Royal would be able to travel
the next day, and we'd take him to Atlanta.

" If the horses are not stolen during the
night," I thought.

There was a bed in the outer room and I lay
down across it, and watched the fantastic
shadows of the firelight playing on the walls
and up among the rafters while I thought of
Arnold and his possible nearness to me. Uncle
Ned and Aunt Milly were lying on the floor
asleep, and snoring loudly, and Mrs. Todd sat
by the hearth smoking. I finally rose and sat

A FAIR REBEL. 241

awhile with her, and she gave me some account
of her life.

" My ole man died twenty year ago, but I
had two sons, two good steddy boys as ever
lived, an' I wus happy ennuff 'tel the war
broke out."

" Where are they now ? "

" Joe wus killed in the battle o' Bull Run, an'
Billy is over thar," nodding her head toward
the Confederate camp. " We didn't have noth-
in' tu fight fer. We'd no Ian' nor niggers tu
defend, but it's on us pore ones the war comes
heaviest, a-robbin' us o' all we have, our fathers
an' husbands an' chillun."

I tried to make her understand that we were
fighting for our rights and liberties, that the re
bellion was a noble cause, but she shook her
head.

" Slavery's the cause, an' if you'd all a been
willin' tu a give up yer niggers thar wouldn't a
been no fightin'. The lives o' the pore is given
tu save the property o' the rich."

She was too bitter to be reasoned with, or at

16

242 ADVENTURES OF

least that was my conclusion then, so when she
fell into brooding silence again, I rose and
walked abroad in the still summer night. Kcn-
nesaw Mountain loomed up against the sky, a
solid black mass lighted here and there with
the starlike glow of camp-fires. Darkness
veiled all the face of the country, but it seemed
instinct with life and motion. Mysterious
sounds vibrated through the air; in fancy I could
see men at work, silently digging trenches,
throwing up breastworks, while others held
consultations, tracing the outline of the plans
for the next day. The watchful sentinel, the
soldier asleep on the ground, the wounded in
the camp-hospital, longing for home and the
healing touch of gentle hands — all, all lay under
that veil of gloom.

I leaned on the fence, surrendering myself to
the thickly crowding fancies, when I chanced
to look down the road, and saw a compact mass
of what appeared to be moving shadows, on it.
At the same instant a hand touched my shoul
der and Mrs. Todd's voice whispered in my ear:

A FAIR REBEL. 243

" More soldiers comin'. Don't let 'em see
you."

We stepped back behind some stunted crape-
myrtles sweet with plumy pink flowers, and
waited to see whether it was friend or foe ap
proaching.

244 ADVENTURES OF

CHAPTER XX.

THE head of the column drew near, passed
by, and with a sigh of relief we recognized the
Confederate colors. Such silent marching I
never before witnessed. Not a word was spoken,
scarcely a footfall sounded on the dusty road.
When the last man had vanished in the gloom
Mrs. Todd sighed heavily.

" They'll be fightin' agin ter-morrer."

" How do you know? " I whispered.

" Kase they er gittin' ready fer it ter-night.
Them men air tryin' tu slip up on the Yankees
an' be ready fer 'em in the mornin'."

It was a night of strange wakefulness to me,
considering the long drive of the afternoon.
Mrs. Todd sat up and smoked, and fed the flame
on the hearth with fresh fuel. Once when I
woke out of a light, brief sleep, a soldier stood
by the fireplace talking in whispers. He went
out in a few minutes, tiptoeing elaborately

A FAIR REBEL. 245

iicross the loose, creaking planks of the floor.
The old woman followed him, and I wondered
if he would take our horses.

Morning came at last, and I got up and went
out into the fresh air. It gave me a new sense
of life. There is ineffable charm and loveliness
about a southern summer morning before the
heat of the rising sun steals the dewy coolness
of air and earth. My tired eyes were refreshed
and gladdened by it that morning, and the
morbid fancies of the night all vanished.
Scarcely a sound broke the stillness, except
the singing of birds and the tinkle of cow-bells.
Surely no battle would be fought that day.

The horses were still safe in the stable, and
a certain lightness of heart took possession of
me. It was of brief duration, though. As the
first beam of the rising sun touched the crest
of Kennesaw Mountain, a great puff of white
smoke curled up from the sparse foliage cloth
ing it, and the heavy boom of a cannon startled
the waking countryside. It was on that day
that the battle of Kennesaw was fought.

246 ADVENTURES OF

I saw Elinor standing in the cabin door and
hastened to her.

" How is Lieutenant Devreau this morning ? "
I eagerly inquired.

"Suffering with fever, but he thinks that by
noon he will be able to travel," she said, look
ing sad and uneasy.

" Oh, I hoped that we could start at once ! "
I exclaimed.

The roll of fife and drum smote clearly upon
our hearing, and martial sounds of all kinds
denoted preparation for battle.

" I knowed what they wus up tu las' night,"
said Mrs. Todd grimly, as she called us in to a
scanty breakfast. " Git erway frum here soon
as you can, if yer don't want bloody sights
afore yer eyes."

Until noon we were unwilling witnesses of
the fight. The cannonading from the top of
Kennesaw Mountain was perfectly magnificent,
but the time had passed when we could admire
such fearful scenes.

" How does it seem to go ? " Royal Devreau

A FAIR REBEL. 247

inquired from time to time, excited, longing to
be in the fray.

" I wonder if Arnold is in this battle," Elinor
whispered to me.

I shook my head, unable to speak. The
question had troubled me all the morning.
The fight drew nearer. Once a shell whistled
through the air and fell beyond the house.

" It is hard to be tied to a bed. I can scarce
ly stand it," grumbled Royal.

" Thank heaven that you are tied to it ! " ex
claimed Elinor, fervently. " I am not glad
that you are wounded, but I should die with
fear if you were out there."

"That is because you are a woman, my
darling, and cannot understand the feelings of
a soldier."

The din of battle frightened Aunt Milly al
most out of her senses. She followed me like
my shadow, wringing her hands and distract
edly moaning:

" De Lawd God save us, for de end o' cle
woiT is comin' ! Miss Rachel, make Ned git

248 ADVENTURES OF

dem hosses out, an' let's leave here 'fore we er
busted tu pieces. Lawd ! Lawd ! whar kin a
body hide from dem bullets ? "

"You is sich a fool, Milly. Now 'f you'd
been in as many battles as me an' Miss Rachel —
Uncle Ned began, with the air of a veteran, but
she turned on him.

" Shet your mouf, Ned. I ain't gwine to
hear none o' your jaw to-day. I'm skeer'd for
Miss Rachel, an' I don't keer if I is a fool."

"Miss Rachel! he! he! dat a mighty po'
tale, Milly," dodging her fiercely outstretched
hand. Privately he asked me to let him har
ness the horses. I stepped to the door. The
rattle of musketry seemed to be startlingly
near us.

"It's a-comin'," said Mrs. Todd, grimly.
" They'll be a-fightin' roun' the house d'rectly."

She stood in the yard with her hands on her
hips. As she ceased speaking a soldier in Fed
eral uniform staggered around the corner of the
house. Blood and dust covered his clothes;
his face was ghastly pale. He groped blindly

A FAIR REBEL. 249

for the empty canteen at his side, his parched
lips unclosed to utter one word, " water; " then
he fell dead at Mrs. Todd's feet. I fled from
the horrible sight.

" Come ! " I cried to Elinor and her husband.
" We must leave here at once ! I shall go mad
or die if we stay any longer! "

Mrs. Todd came in. I begged her to go with
us. «

" No, my place is here, as long as Billy is
over thar fightin'. S'pos'n he'd come as that
poor fellow did jest now?" She unfolded a
coarse, white cloth, and going out again, spread
it over the dead man's face.

Uncle Ned had the carriage before the gate
in a few minutes, and we bundled poor Royal
into it without much regard for his wounds.
But he recognized the necessity for flight, if the
Union men were coming. I flung my purse to
Mrs. Todd, recklessly munificent in my excite
ment.

" Drive ! drive ! " I cried to Uncle Ned, as a
a body of Federal soldiers appeared at the up-

250 ADVENTURES OF

per end of the road, and he lashed the horses
into a furious gallop. They fired a shot or two
at us, and yelled to us to stop, but we continued
our flight until the poor horses were in a lather,
and Royal fainted from the swaying motion of
the carriage. All danger was past, and we
traveled the remainder of the way at a more
reasonable pace.

Late that afternoon we rolled into Atlanta
again, but the half-day of hot and wearisome
travel had thrown Royal Devreau into a high
fever. His wounds had reopened, and he talked
deliriously. He was borne to bed, and lay
there for weeks before he could be pronounced
out of danger. Elinor could scarcely leave his
bedside, and, knowing how her grandfather
would miss her, I devoted myself to him. He
was able to go out again, and many an hour
we spent on the shady piazzas, while I read to
him or we talked war-news. A threefold pur
pose I had in winning his regard: to make my
self useful, to spare Elinor, and to reinstate my
husband.

A FAIR REBEL. 251

At first Arnold's name was never mentioned
between us, but one day, after considerable
confidence had been established, he spoke of
his recreant grandson. It was with mingled
shame and bitterness.

11 1 suppose you have heard of him ? "

"I have," I replied, "and more than that,
Judge Lenoir, I have met him."

He was astonished.

I hastened to tell him of that first encounter
in the mountains, and the gallant way Arnold
rescued us from the outlaws, then the meeting
with him at the Montgomery place. There I
stopped and looked at him. His face had hard
ened, but I could detect a certain eager interest
in his eyes, and went on to tell of Chickamauga.

"There is more yet," he said, when I again
paused. " Go on."

" I don't know that I dare."

"What!" he cried, striking his stick on the
floor, " has he been guilty of—

" I am his wife," I said in a low tone, but
proud to say it.

252 ADVENTURES OF

He fell back in his chair, and stared speech
lessly at me. Hurriedly I explained the cir
cumstances, and dwelt strongly on my love for
him, and the happiness it gave me to bear his
name.

" And," I concluded, laying my hand timidly
on the arm of his chair, " and so I am really a
member of your family."

"But — but I disowned him," he stammered,
evidently in doubt how to take the situation.

" I suppose you don't care to have my society
any longer, then ? " I said, gently and sadly.

" Good heavens, child ! sit still, and let me
have time to think. I cannot, you know, I can
not forgive him for the disgrace he has brought
upon us, but you — you are not to blame for his
misdeeds. I don't understand how a loyal
woman could marry a man so disloyal "

11 Love does not consider political principles,"
I said, boldly. " Arnold is as honest in his con
victions as we are in ours."

"A woman is always the echo of her hus
band. I am afraid that you will live to repent

A FAIR REBEL. 253

this marriage. It was a most rash step to take.
What pleasure can you hope to derive from
it ? "

" The war cannot last forever," I said, hope
fully.

I continued my attentions and ministrations
to him, and he accepted them as from one of
his family. Arnold's name came up often in
our talks, but the old man refused to pardon
him.

During this time the most intense excite
ment prevailed in Atlanta, for the Federal
armies were drawing nearer and nearer the
city, with every intention of capturing it. The
sounds of conflict became as familiar as the
traffic on the streets. It was singular and pa
thetic that the first shell thrown into Atlanta
should kill a little child, but do no other dam
age. It was a great shock to the whole city.
The panic-stricken people ran about the streets
with pale faces, or stopped in groups to discuss
it. We felt, then, that the enemy was indeed
upon us, and the wise and prudent made prep-

254 ADVENTURES OF

arations for a siege, building bomb-proofs and
storing provisions. What fabulous prices we
paid for the simplest articles, and thankful to
get them ! — twenty dollars a pound for coffee,
and three hundred for a barrel of flour. I paid
fifty dollars for a coarse pair of shoes for Uncle
Ned, and felt proud of my bargain.

Two days after the first bomb was thrown
into our midst the battle of Atlanta was fought,
and the siege began.

A FAIR REBEL. 255

CHAPTER XXL

To give an account of half the incidents
and accidents occurring in Atlanta during
the siege would fill a volume. Tragedy and
Comedy stalked side by side, and there were
people who could laugh as well as weep over
the situation. Two railroads to the southwest
were still open, and trains loaded with refugees
rolled out of the city daily.

I was cut off from all communication with my
relatives, as the Federal armies lay between
us, and suffered many pangs of anxiety con
cerning their fate. After the first panic of fear
was over, Atlantians — those who intended to
cling to the city to the end — settled down into
comparative calmness again. The streets, de
serted in the first days of the siege, were again
peopled; and instead of flying into a bomb
proof every time a shot was fired we learned
to dodge the missiles of death, and go on.

256 ADVENTURES OF

The last entertainment that the Amateurs
gave was at a town below Atlanta. The train
that we went out on was shelled, and one of
the bombs fell into our car. Without an in
stant's hesitation, Henry Ladislaw snatched it
up and flung it out through a window, and we
heard its dull explosion as we rolled away.
That night was the last the Amateurs ever
played together. The next day Royal Dev-
reau, who had recovered from his wounds,
returned to army duty, and we to the painful
uncertainties of life in the besieged city again.

It was impossible to learn anything that was
taking place outside of the fortresses of the
city, and equally impossible to get a correct
statement of the situation from any one inside.
A thousand rumors were afloat; a thousand
conflicting stories told. If the firing ceased
for an hour or two, it was said that the Fed
erals had thrown up the siege, and were in full
retreat; or, if the shelling was heavy, that
they intended to literally wipe the city out of
existence with their big guns.

A FAIR REBEL. 257

The newspapers — and they were numerous,
many of them having been driven southward
in advance of the Federals — gave the most
flattering reports of the situation, daily, as well
as many of Hood's officers. It seemed to be
the policy of editors and soldiers to keep the
people hopeful.

Every morning I read the journals to Judge
Lenoir, and he would grow exultant for a few
hours. It enraged him to have to seek pro
tection in the bomb-proof cellar.

" For all the world like rats in a hole !" he
exclaimed. "If I was not so confoundedly
old and crippled, I would show them what one
man could do ! "

" What would you do, grandfather ? " Elinor
inquired, cheerfully.

" I'd blow as many of them into perdition as
I could pull the trigger on ! "

•' I think, father, that we ought to pack up
our valuables, take the servants, Elinor — and
Rachel, if she will go with us — and refugee to

Macon," said Mrs. Sims.
17

258 ADVENTURES OF

" No; we will stay here, here, Lizette, until
we are driven out. I don't propose to run
away."

" But if the city surrenders ? "

11 It will not surrender. I am not afraid of
the result of this siege. The Yankees will be
ready to give it up when they find that it will
not accomplish anything. Remember, Edgar
is here."

" Do you think I can forget it ?" she cried,
reproachfully.

" Then don't talk of leaving."

" And I could not leave Royal," said Elinor,
quietly but firmly.

There was no special tie binding me to the
city, except my friends. I had not heard a
word from Arnold since those few lines on his
departure from Atlanta, and often the suspense
seemed intolerable. On the urgent entreaty
of his relatives, I went to live with them,
though my marriage still remained a secret
outside of the home-circle. Edgar Sims felt
exceedingly bitter against his brother, but

A FAIR REBEL. 259

Royal Devreau displayed a more tolerant
spirit. They all pitied me, I knew, though
Arnold's name was rarely mentioned, except
by Elinor.

The long summer days passed very slowly,
in spite of the excitement. As a vent to my
feelings, I took to writing poetry — various
pieces appearing in the Intelligencer, and other
papers. To quote from Reed's History of At
lanta, recently published:

" In such stirring times the literary faculty
of a people always undergoes a rapid and ab
normal change. When the issues of life and
death are in the very air; when every man is
stimulated to deeds of heroism and self-sacri
fice, there is a fever in the most sluggish veins,
and the dullest man talks and writes in a pict
uresque and graphic style. In the army and
out of it, men and women who had never
thought of writing for the press rushed into
print with letters, stories and poems, so emo
tional, strong and fiery that they cannot be

200 ADVENTURES OF

read without a thrill of excitement, even at
this late day."

I can testify that authorship was a relief to
the intensity of my feelings. We were not
without new publications in Atlanta, in the way
of books, though they were often printed on
the coarse, brown paper used in butcher-shops.
I read Les Miserables printed on wall-paper.
Just as people rushed into print, so they read
— many of them who had never cared at all for

books.

* # * % %

The city had grown comparatively quiet,
and we crept out of the stifling cellar into the
cooler, fresher air of the house above. It was a
sultry August evening, and as we had been
imprisoned most of the day I proposed to take
my servants and walk over to see the Ladis-
laws. The two old negroes were very unwill
ing to venture out on the street. They had
been in a state of abject terror ever since the
beginning of the siege, and spent most of their
time in the cellar.

A FAIR REBEL. 26l

I found Mary alone — her husband having
gone out into the city to learn latest reports
of the situation. She had not lost hope, and
talked in the most serenely confident way of
our ultimate victory over the Federals. I could
not share her opinion, but went away feeling
better for the visit.

As I returned home several fuse-shells were
fired, passing across the sky with a lurid trail
of light behind them.

" Lawd ! dey're at it agin ! " groaned Uncle
Ned, in accents of despair. " Miss Rachel,
we'd better be a-gittin' home quickly ez we
kin. When dem shells gits ter bustin', 'tain't
no tellin' whar dey gwine ter fly an' light."

I was watching the course of one of those
shots from a street corner, when a husky voice
addressed me in very good French. I looked
around. An old man, in rather shabby citizens'
clothes, stood at my side. He leaned on a
stick, a long, white beard flowed down over
his breast, and long, white hair fell from under
his hat-brim to the collar of his coat. He was

262 ADVENTURES OF

tall, but stooped slightly, and his eyes seemed
to pierce me with their intense gaze. My
knowledge of French was limited to the read
ing of very simple books.

" Will you not speak English ? " I said, in
some confusion.

" May I trouble Madame to tell me the way
to the Trout House ? " he said, with a bow.

The Trout House was the principal hotel in
Atlanta at that time. I told him as clearly as
I could how to reach it.

" I have just arrived in the city," he con
tinued.

" You have selected a most ill-omened time
for your visit," I said, dryly.

" It is dangerous, isn't it ? "

" Very," I said. " If you don't care to spend
most of the time in a cellar or dugout, I would
advise you to take the first train from the city."

He stroked his beard with a sinewy, youth
ful-looking hand, and I heard him sigh.

" Have you been greatly troubled, ma-
dame ? "

A FAIR REBEL. 263

" Every Atlantian is more or less troubled,"
I said. " The situation is one of constant peril,
but you will discover that before the night is
over. Remember to turn at the next corner,
and you will easily find your way to the hotel."

He bowed, murmured his thanks, and I
continued my walk. Curiosity impelled me to
look back when some distance away. The old
man still stood at the corner, leaning on his
stick.

When I reached Judge Lenoir's gate, Uncle
Ned pointed out a solitary figure across the
street. The stranger had followed us. A thrill
of fear ran through me. The times were so
fraught with agitation; so many strange and
lawless deeds were perpetrated in the city, that
the old man's movements seemed very suspi
cious. I sent Uncle Ned and Aunt Milly away
4o bed, but I sat down on the piazza, behind a
screen of vines to watch and wait a few min
utes. If robbers threatened the household,
they should meet with a warm reception.

I saw the stranger slowly cross the street

264 ADVENTURES OF

and open the gate. He closed it softly; then
stepped out on the grass, to avoid the hard,
paved walk leading up to the steps. My heart
gave frantic leaps of terror. I stood up, cling
ing to the vine-wreathed column. It seemed a
foolish courting of danger to remain there alone,
but I was incapable of flight.

The stranger mounted the steps lightly and
quickly, dropping his cane on the grass below.
Courage came back to me. He started, slightly,
as I met him.

" Sir, what do you want here at this unseem
ly hour ? " I demanded, sternly.

" You," was the unexpected reply. Then he
seized my shoulder, my waist, in a strong,
gentle grasp. " Rachel, darling — darling ! "

The scream on my lips changed to a sob; for
a moment, I think joy bereft me of conscious
ness as I recognized my husband.

* * * * *

" And so you didn't recognize me when I
spoke to you on the street ? " Arnold said,
when we sat down on the bench behind the

A FAIR REBEL. 265

vines. His disguise had been thrown aside
for a short time.

" Could I have talked with you so calmly if
I had ? "

" I could hardly resist snatching you into
my arms, when you so sweetly and coolly an
swered my questions. It was a good test to
my disguise. If you didn't recognize me, there
is no danger of detection."

I drew his head down and kissed him, pass
ing my hand caressingly over his hair. I still
felt half dazed.

"Is it real — is it real, or only a blessed
dream ? " I whispered.

" My dearest, have you suffered so ? "

" The suspense was terrible ! If I could have
heard occasionally from you ! "

" You shall go with me this time, Rachel; I
have written to my relatives in New York, and
they will be glad to receive you."

" I don't want safety while you and my friends
are in danger. It is useless to ask me to leave
Atlanta, Arnold, while your family remain."

266 ADVENTURES OF

He pleaded and argued. I saw how his heart
was set on it, and it hurt me cruelly to distress
him, or to refuse to yield to his wishes, but my
whole being revolted against such an arrange
ment.

" Don't be angry with me, Arnold, but it is
as impossible for me to leave the South, At
lanta, at this time, as it is for you to become a
rebel," I said, piteously; tears streaming down
my face.

He instantly took me into his arms again.

" Dearest, forgive me. It is only my great
anxiety about you that causes me to seem so
cruelly persistent."

" Why did you not exchange as you thought
you would ? "

" Because it involved such a separation from
you, Rachel. As long as I remained in this
part of the country there would be at least the
hope of seeing you. I would try to exchange
to-morrow if you were out of Atlanta."

The front door was pulled softly open, and
Elinor appeared in dressing-gown and slippers.

A FAIR REBEL. 267

" Rachel ! Rachel ! " she called in a subdued
tone. " I thought I heard her voice," she con
tinued to herself.

"Come out, Elinor," I said. "We have a
visitor."

Arnold stepped out from behind the vines,
and she ran into his arms.

We took him into the house, stealing through
it like thieves, for fear of disturbing Edgar and
the judge. Elinor flew to wake her mother.

The visit from him could not be one of un
alloyed delight. Elinor and his mother en
treated him with tears to remain in the city,
and it wrung my heart to see how deeply it dis
tressed him to refuse.

He remained with us until just before daylight.

" When can you come again, Arnold ? " his
mother inquired, bursting into tears when he
rose to take leave.

" I don't know, mother ! " he replied sadly,
bending to kiss her.

I followed him to the piazza.

" I think it will be best for me not to come

268 ADVENTURES OF

again," he said to me when we were alone.
" It is more sorrow than joy to see me. Poor
mother ! Be a good daughter to her, Rachel ! "

I clung to him; my heart riven with the an
guish of parting.

" Come, do come again ! " I pleaded. " To
me it is life to be with you; death to be sepa
rated from you."

I will not linger over those last moments.
Through blinding, bitter tears I watched him
go down the walk, and away along the deserted
street, once more transformed into an old man
leaning on a staff.

A FAIR REBEL. 269

CHAPTER XXII.

CHANGES were rapidly approaching. It was
about the middle of August that we had the
most terrific day of all the siege. It was the
day of the artillery duel. We breakfasted in
the dining-room that morning for the first time
in several days. The Ladislaws had been invited
over to join us, and Edgar and Royal were at
home.

The grape-arbor, partly destroyed by an ex
ploding shell, still had vines enough clinging
to it to yield grapes for the feast, and a bowl of
roses bloomed in the centre of the table.

We made quite merry over the meal, for to
be always sad seemed unnatural and impossible.
Arnold's secret visit had lightened my heart
wonderfully, and when Mr. Ladislaw asked me
to go into the parlor and sing for them, I readily
complied. He sat down at the piano, and played
a gay and graceful prelude.

2/0 ADVENTURES OF

"What shall I sing?" I asked.

Before he could reply the booming sound of
Federal guns saluted us, and a shell passed over
the house. I turned white, but he played on
undisturbed, and finally said:

" Sing a verse or two of ' The Canteen,' then
I want to hear that pretty and sentimental
4 Would I Were with Thee.' He struck into a
lively accompaniment, and I sang:

" There are bonds of all sorts, in this world of ours;
Fetters of friendship, and ties of flowers,

And true-lover's knots, I ween;
The girl and the boy are bound by a kiss,
But there's never a bond, old friend, like this —

We have drunk from the same canteen.

" We have shared our blankets and tents together,
And have marched and fought in all kinds of weather,

And hungry and full we have been;
Had days of battle, and days of rest,
But this memory I cling to and love the best —

We have drunk from the same canteen."

He joined in when it came to the last verse,
his bold, rich voice filling the house with
melody, and the negroes crowded in the hall,

A FAIR REBEL. 2JI

delighted to hear the sound of music once more.
For an hour we hovered about the piano, try
ing our old music, but the batteries inside as
well as outside of the city had opened fire, and
war held supremacy again. Mary spent the
day with us; indeed, it would have been danger
ous for her to go out on the street; for over
the city, so calm in the dawning day, blazed
and roared a thousand shots. We sat in the
dark cellar with the terrified servants huddled
about us, thinking of those exposed to the piti
less firing, silently praying, even while we tried
to cheerfully talk. Would the lagging hours
never pass ? Would that hideous uproar din on
our aching ears forever ?

The day passed its noon. Once, in a brief
lull, Elinor and I crept up-stairs and gathered
together all the food we could find, to take
back to our retreat. The atmosphere was
thick with smoke and the fumes of powder; the
sunlight had the lurid glow of fire.

Elinor clung to my arm with white face and
terrified eyes as a shell struck the stable at

2/2 ADVENTURES OF

the back of the garden, and scattered it in
fragments on the ground. She seized a plat
ter of bread and fled back to our underground
retreat. I started to follow her with a tray, on
which I had flung meat, pickles and the fruit
left from our gay morning repast, when the
hall-door was thrown open, and Miss Jane
Mandeville entered, her bonnet awry, her man
tilla trailing over one shoulder.

11 Feel of me, Rachel ! see if I have all my
limbs! " she cried, when I ran out into the hall.

" Why, what is the matter, Miss Jane ? " I
exclaimed, seizing the gentle, trembling crea
ture in my arms. Her face was blackened with
powder-smoke, and the tears, trickling down
her cheeks and over her nose, left queer lines
and smirches. It was not a time to laugh. My
own eyes smarted with sympathetic moisture,
and a hysterical choking filled my throat; but
for all that, a convulsion of mirth passed over
me.

"I — I feel singed; I don't know but I feel
blown up!" she said, with a piteous sob, ren-

A FAIR REBEL. 2/3

dering the condition of her face mo/e gro
tesque still by trying to wipe away the tears
with a corner of her mantilla.

" How did it happen ? I am sure that you
are uninjured, except for some holes scorched
in your dress," I said, loosening her bonnet-
strings and smoothing her disheveled hair.

" I had just crept up-stairs, and put on my
bonnet, for Sarah Ann went to the hospital
this morning, and I promised to be with her
by noon, when, the first thing I knew — well, I
didn't seem to know anything very clearly un
til I was on the street, running. My room was
torn to fragments; half the house was shat
tered. "

"Rachel, why don't you come down?"
shouted the judge, impatiently; " don't you
know that you are in danger ? We can do
without food, if that is what you are trying to
get."

I led Miss Jane down into the cellar, where
she was greeted with exclamations and many
expressions of sympathy. She had had a very

18

2/4 ADVENTURES OF

narrow escape, and the shock had left her
weak and nervous. She refused to join us in
our scanty repast, but reclined on a bench,
sighing hysterically, and occasionally describ
ing some particularly vivid sensation of pain or
terror seizing her as she ran wildly through the
streets.

We were none of us very anxious for food.
Our table was an upturned box, and we were
surrounded by trunks, pictures, and a miscel
laneous collection of furniture. Many things
had been removed from the upper part of the
house, and stored in the cellar for safe-keep
ing, in case shells should destroy the building.
The afternoon passed very much as the morn
ing had. Judge Lenoir walked up and down
the narrow space left vacant between the win
dow and the stairway, and we huddled togeth
er, or reclined on bales of goods, while the
very foundations of the world seemed to shake
and totter.

" I think they've turned hell loose on us,"
the judge said once, as a more than usually

A FAIR REBEL. 2/5

deafening explosion took place. The house
trembled and rocked; bricks fell from the cel
lar wall, and the stifling fumes of burning pow
der made us gasp for breath. The negroes
burst into loud lamentations, calling on God
to save them; and Mrs. Sims clung to Elinor.

I dashed up the steps and found the left wing
of the house in ruins. It gave me the strangest
sensation to see the murky daylight shining
through the shattered walls of the dining-room.
I shuddered as I thought what a short time had
elapsed since Elinor and I stood in the room.

The poor, terrified negroes fell prostrate to
the floor when I gave an account of what had
happened, and it required Mary Ladislaw as
well as Elinor to soothe and reassure Mrs. Sims.
Miss Jane was still absorbed in her own ex
citing experiences, and heard the news quite
calmly.

" I am sure our fragments will be scattered
all over the city before night," she said, in a
resigned tone. " There'll not be a whole body
left amongst us."

2/6 ADVENTURES OF

The judge insisted on going up and seeing
the extent of the damage; and I accompanied
him. Broken china and furniture lay scattered
about, and we picked up several pieces of the
silver from the debris. But it was too danger
ous to linger around the wreck. Shot and shell
whistled through the air in almost every direc
tion, and we beat a hasty retreat.

At last nightfall put an end to the work of
destruction, and we could venture forth into
the open air again. Mrs. Sims sat down and
cried over the wreck of her household goods,
the rare old china, the porcelain jars, and all
the dainty wares collected through generations
of wealthy householders, and cherished for the
sake of associations as well as commercial
value.

Miss Sarah Ann Mandeville came in soon
after the firing ceased, and it was pathetic as
well as a little comical to see the sisters em
brace and weep over each other.

" When I found the house had been destroy
ed, I searched among the ruins for your body;

A FAIR REBEL. 277

then I feared that your mangled remains had
been blown entirely away," said Miss Sarah
Ann, mournfully.

" I ought to have gone to the hospital, but I
was that frightened, Sarah Ann, I didn't have
any sense, and when I got here they would not
let me leave again," said Miss Jane, contritely.
"I knew you would be anxious, would natural
ly expect to find me in a fragmentary con
dition."

"It was to save you that sad experience,
Madame, that we insisted on keeping your sis
ter with us," said the judge. " She had one
miraculous escape, but we could not hope for
two in one day. I hope you will make this
your home until you have time to develop new
plans. It is not much of a home now, "waving
his hand toward the wrecked portion of the
building, " but such as it is we'll gladly share
it with you."

They were profuse in their expressions of
gratitude, and accepted the hospitality so
frankly offered.

2/8 ADVENTURES OF

It was said that very little was accomplished
by that day's cannonading, that only a lot of
ammunition was wasted, but, not counting the
destruction of property in the city, and the loss
of other lives, for many citizens, men, women,
and children were killed and wounded, one
noble, gallant Southerner, who could ill be
spared, was sacrificed — Henry Ladislaw. He
went from us that morning with a song on his
lips; he came back borne on a stretcher, pallid
and with the shadow of death already falling
upon him.

I will pass over the dismay and grief of such
a coming. We stole noiselessly about, talking
in awe-struck whispers, each with some ten
der reminiscence to tell of the brave and gifted
leader of the Amateurs. He alone seemed to
have naught to regret.

" It is a glorious death to die, Mary," he
said in faint tones, smiling when his wife bent
speechlessly over him. He gathered her
hands against his wounded breast. " I die for
my country."

A FAIR REBEL. 2/9

" But to leave me alone ! How shall I re
main here without you, Henry? Oh, my heart's
love, my heart's love ! take me with you ! "

Across his face came a spasm of pain. As
she sank to her knees by the bed, and buried
her face in the pillows, he raised one hand and
laid it caressingly on her head.

" Your loyalty is indeed put to the test,
Mary. Tis my sole regret in dying that I
must leave you."

It was the first and last outburst of her grief
that she permitted to disturb him. A soldier's
wife must be heroic if she can stand at his side
through the perils of war, and then see him die
without a plaint. Mary Ladislaw's heroism and
unselfishness never shone in such a beauti
ful light as they did during the watches of
that night.

None of the household slept except the ser
vants. About twelve o'clock Ladislaw called me.

" Sing for me, Rachel," he said, smiling. " I
should like to hear some of the old favorites
once more."

280 ADVENTURES OF

I sat down at the piano in the next room
and softly played and sang the war ballads we
had been wont to enliven the Amateur pro
grammes with, while my tears fell thick and
fast on the ivory keys, and my voice grew
tremulous. It was a strange hour for music,
and it echoed weirdly through the silent house.
Once or twice the wounded man tried to join
in some particularly inspiring strain, but his
voice rose scarcely above a whisper, and he
sank back exhausted.

It was a long time before I could touch the
piano again without so vividly recalling that
night and its sorrowful experiences, that it was
pain instead of pleasure to me to play or sing.
Later in the night his mind wandered. He
talked of the Amateurs, planned new pro
grammes, hummed new melodies he intended
to use.

" But perhaps I ought to be on the field.
Mary, can I do more good, fighting, than earn
ing money for the soldiers ? I want to do my
whole duty, to go where I shall be of the greatest

A FAIR REBEL. 281

service. A letter from Edward. He sets my
doubts at rest. It is true, all men are not
gifted alike. He says that I am using mine in
the noblest way. Hark! what was that ? the
roll of drums ? Another victory has been won.
Let me sing it aloud."

He seemed to live over again all the trying
experiences of the war. Once he spoke regret
fully of so lavishly giving all his own property.

" But Mary said, ' Do it.' How will she live
if I am taken ? "

" Have no fear," she whispered soothingly.

He started, the sound of her voice bringing
him back to himself.

" Are you here with me, Mary ? Sweet, I am
glad for your sake that the hour has not yet
come."

" What hour, my beloved ? " she said, with a
sob.

" The hour of separation."

Toward morning he fell into a trance-like
state, and we saw that the hour was quickly
coming. Just before daylight he suddenly

282 ADVENTURES OF

roused as from a dream, his eyes opening
widely, brilliantly. He held out his arms to his
wife.

" Lift me up, Mary. I want to see the light.
It is the new day, Mary, the new day dawning
for the South — our beloved South. It will be a
long time before you can see it. The darkness
will thicken — clouds and storm will obscure the
first gleams of light, but beyond it all lies
peace, prosperity, the clear shining of the sun.
Strange, strange that it does not come as we
would have it ! Ours — is — a — lost — cause ! "

He spoke clearly at first, looking toward the
eastern window where all was still darkness to
our eyes, but on the last words his voice failed.
He turned and gazed on his wife's face; his
hand groped for hers. When his head sank
against her shoulder we laid him gently down
again, and as we did so his eyelids closed; rigid
repose sealed his lips forever.

A FAIR REBEL. 283

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE influence of Henry Ladislaw's death was
felt far beyond the limits of our small circle,
but the times were too full of dread suspense,
of intense excitement and change, for a friend
to sorrow long outwardly for a friend. Too
many were passing through the dark valley, to
linger by one bier. To-day a fallen hero was
wept over, to-morrow, perchance another. It
is reserved for only a few to be mourned by a
whole nation.

Ladislaw filled a place peculiarly his own.
No other in the Confederacy, I think, could
have kept an amateur troupe of players together
so long, or raised so much money, but his work
in that direction had ended before death set
him free from all earthly service.

Mary had relatives living in Savannah, and
after her husband's death they sent for her.

284 ADVENTURES OF

Life had lost all hope or interest for her. Grief
had not stunned, but made her indifferent,
alike to her own fate, and to the fate of the
Confederacy. Ladislaw's last prophetic words
had made a deep impression on her.

" But success or failure will have little effect
on me now," she said once to me.

I could not utter any of those platitudes and
set conventional phrases we always seem to
hold in reserve for our afflicted friends. Her
calm tone carried such conviction of the truth
that I could only acquiesce.

She went away, and in a few days other im
pressions began to crowd her sorrowful image
into the background. We were cut off from
all communication with the outer world about
this time, and fears for personal safety seized
the imprisoned people. As long as a way of
escape from the city was open, no such panic
was felt. The suspense did not last long. The
battle of Jonesboro' was a decisive one. It
settled the fate of Atlanta. For that reason I
have cause to remember it, as well as for a more

A FAIR REBEL. 285

important one. I will attempt no account of
this battle. The day it was fought was an
anxious one for Atlantians. The general be
lief was that we were winning the victory, but
no certain or reliable information could be
gained that day or the next, though it became
known in an indefinite way that the rebels had
suffered defeat. The day after the battle was
one of greater anxiety, even, than the one on
which it was fought. We heard nothing from
either Edgar or Royal, and Elinor and her
mother were both deeply troubled. Subdued
but unusual activity reigned in the military
quarters of the city. What it meant we could
not tell.

"Surely they don't intend to give Atlanta
up ? " I said once to the judge.

"Tut, tut, child! of course not!" he testily
replied, but he paced about the hall and piazzas
all day, and I could see that he shared the
general feeling of uneasiness. Night again fell
without bringing either of the young men.
Elinor and I sat on the piazza long after the

286 ADVENTURES OF

other members of the household had retired.
It was a great relief to be freed from the dan
gers of flying shot and shell from Federal bat
teries, and strange, after weeks of siege, but
whether greater dangers threatened we could
not say.

Stifling clouds of dust hung in the sultry air,
raised by the constant passing of wagons along
the streets. Elinor and I talked a little in low
tones, but for the greater part of the time kept
silence. Deep, inexpressible sadness weighed
upon us for the changes which had taken place,
and for those yet to come. We had fallen into
very sisterly intercourse. She and the judge
were my favorites in the household. To neither
Mrs. Sims nor Edgar could I feel very closely
drawn. " The dangers of the battle-field can
not be more cruel than the suspense of those
who stay at home," she said to me after one of
those long silences. "At this moment, Royal
or Edgar, or both, may be dead or wounded,
and yet we must sit here and patiently await
the tardy coming of news."

A FAIR REBEL. 287

" But it will come," I said, with a sigh.
" Your fate is not so hard as mine, for if Arnold
has been killed I have no way of finding it out."

" Oh, don't speak of it ! " she exclaimed with
a shudder. " I cannot bear any more, Rachel."

An ammunition wagon lumbered by the
gate.

" Can they indeed be leaving us ? " said
Elinor, grasping my arm. We stared at each
other through the gloom, helplessness, deadly
fear expressed in that gaze. To be deserted
by our army, given over into the hands of the
enemy ! It seemed a terrible fate. One hope
sent the blood flying back to my cheeks.
''Arnold will save us," I said.

A long line of army wagons rolled along the
street. The judge came from his room through
the parlor, and leaned from the front window.

" What is it going on out there ?" he asked.

" The city is being evacuated," said Elinor.

" Impossible ! " he cried, and came out to the
piazza. " Ha ! a man is entering the gate.
Perhaps he can tell us what this means."

288 ADVENTURES OF

" It is Royal ! " Elinor screamed, starting up,
and in another moment was in her husband's
arms. He looked dusty and haggard, but had
no time to spare to take food or rest. He gave
a hurried account of some of the disasters of the
battle, and acknowledged that the army was in
full retreat. By morning the city would be in
possession of the Federals if they chose to
come and take it.

The news stunned us, but I felt buoyed up
by the secret hope that when the Federal army
came I should see Arnold.

The judge walked the piazza, his head sunk
on his breast, silenced and crushed by the evil
tidings.

" Sir, I hope that you will leave the city at
once," said Devreau. "I cannot remain with
Elinor, and it is very trying to think of leaving
her here."

" / will protect her. No man can molest the
women of my household as long as I live ! "
exclaimed the judge, fiercely, smiting his
breast with a feeble, tremulous hand. We knew

A FAIR REBEL. 289

that the spirit was strong and brave, but what
could an old man do ?

" And your grandson will, of course, extend
his protection. I had forgotten him," said
Royal, brightening visibly. It was a most un
fortunate speech. " I would be garroted rather
than accept a favor from him ! " said the old
man in a rage. " Don't insult me by the men
tion of his name !"

No one made any reply, but three pairs of
young eyes exchanged sympathetic glances,
and I knew Royal felt satisfied that Elinor and
I would profit by Arnold's presence, should he
come into the city.

He had to join his command in a short time.
It was painful to see him go again. Elinor
broke down and sobbed passionately at the
last moment. He turned and waved a fare
well from the street before disappearing in the
file of soldiers marching by. Edgar had sent
messages by his brother-in-law. He was safe
and well, but could not get away to come to

the house.
19

2QO ADVENTURES OF

The night wore on, but we couldn't think of
sleeping. The city continued in a turmoil of
moving troops, wagons and artillery, until the
middle of the night, when quietness settled
down over the deserted streets. It was not
destined to last long. I had gone to my room,
and was sitting by the window, when a series
of the most terrific explosions shook the house
from roof to basement. The windows shatter
ed, splintered glass falling indoors and out,
pictures dropped from the walls, and a chim
ney in the injured portion of the house fell
with a crash.

We fled, panic-stricken, into the street. If
it were the guns of an advancing enemy, bet
ter to meet them than to be buried in the ruins
of the house. My old servants clung about
me, shivering and shaking with terror.

''Don't wait to git nuffin' mo' on, Miss Ra
chel," exclaimed Uncle Ned — for I was bare
headed, and clothed only in the lightest of
summer garments. "I know de day o' jedg-
ment's come, an' you ain't gwine to hab no use

A FAIR REBEL. 2QI

fer bunnits an' sech truck in glory. Come 'long,
honey, come 'long."

" But if the judgment has come, we may as
well remain here," I said.

The most lurid description I could write
would convey but a slight idea of the remain
ing hours of that night, and how they were
passed by the people of Atlanta. At first we
were firmly convinced that the Federal guns
were turned against the wretched city, and
that scarcely a stick or stone of it would be
left by morning. People who had been asleep
ran out of their houses and along the streets,
huddling on such garments as they were able
to pick up in their flight.

" The Yankees are coming! "

" Which way?"

" Are they fighting again ? "

" Lord ! Lord ! when and where will it all
end ? "

Such were some of the exclamations and in
quiries I heard.

" They must be blowing up the foundations

292 ADVENTURES OF

of the universe ! " said one citizen, passing us
barefooted, and with an old gown wrapped
about his person.

The fears of the people were somewhat calm
ed when it was learned that the Confederates
were destroying car-loads of ammunition and
blowing up engine boilers, and that it was not
the guns of an invading enemy. But the awful
uproar — and I cannot find language strong
enough and vivid enough to describe it — kept
thousands of people on the streets until morn
ing. Many houses had been so injured during
the siege that it was dangerous to venture into
them while such shocks were coming every
moment, and shaking the very earth beneath
our fee't.

I could not help thinking of the destruction
of Pompeii, and if streams of red-hot lava had
flowed through the streets of Atlanta that night
I should not have been in the least surprised.
We went out on a hill, not far away from the
house — an isolated pine grove left in the midst
of the city, and spent the remainder of the night

A FAIR REBEL. 293

there. Uncle Ned and Aunt Milly passed the
time alternately praying, weeping, or entreat
ing me to prepare myself to go to glory.

" Dis yeth ain't gwine ter start' much mo'
sech ca'yin' on. Don't yer feel it shakin', honey ?
It's gwine to bust all ter flinders putty soon,"
said Uncle Ned.

" An' ef it does, whar'll we be ? " sobbed Aunt
Milly.

" None but er foolish 'oman 'ud ax dat ques
tion," replied her husband, with a contempt her
temper would not submit to.

"Well, it'll send you a-flyin' down'ards, ef
you don't look out ! " she exclaimed.

" Ef it does I mighty feered you'll be a-kitin'
'longside o' me."

" Huh ! I'll not be 'sociatin' wid no sech nig
ger as you when I gits to glory ! "

As a quarrel seemed imminent, I hurriedly
ordered them to be silent, and they fell to pray
ing again as fervently as ever.

The work of destruction ended about dawn,
and the citizens crept back to their shattered

294 ADVENTURES OF

houses, groping through clouds of thick, sul
phurous smoke, spent with the night's watching.
But new anxieties and dangers had to be met.
All protection had been withdrawn from us —
all law and order. Robbery and deeds of vio
lence of all kinds could be perpetrated, if men
were so minded, but beyond plundering stores
and dwellings deserted by their owners, the
mobs collecting on the streets were rather quiet.
I will not describe the hours of suspense the
defenseless Atlantians had to live through be
fore the invading army took possession of the
city. I looked forward to the coming of the
Federals with mingled joy and dread. The
possibility of seeing Arnold again before the
close of the day compensated me for everything.
I could not sleep, though I felt the necessity of
refreshing myself with some rest after the ex
citing, wakeful night. I had not given much
thought to my personal appearance for a long
time. Graver, more important matters than
the preservation of my beauty had occupied my
mind, but when, about noon that day, Aunt

A FAIR REBEL. 295

Milly burst into my room to tell me that Union
soldiers were marching through the streets, I
sprang up, and the first thing I did was to run
to the glass, and look at myself. My face was
pale and haggard; dark lines were drawn under
my eyes. I turned dissatisfiedly away, but, in
watching the Federal troops marching by, I
soon forgot myself again.

I stared at every blue-coated officer from be
hind the jalousies, with anxious, eager eyes,
searching for my beloved, but he did not appear.
All the afternoon I watched and waited; then I
said he would come at night, but it also passed
without bringing him. Thus two days went
by. The morning of the third, the following
notice was served on the citizens:

' HEADQUARTERS POST OF ATLANTA, )
"ATLANTA, GA., Sept. 5, 1864. }

"GENERAL ORDERS, )

"No. 3. I .

" All families now living in Atlanta, the male rep
resentatives of which are in the service of the Confed
erate States, or who have gone South, will leave the

296 ADVENTURES OF

city within five days. They will be passed through the
lines, and will go South.

" All citizens from the North, not connected with the
army, and who have not authority from Major-General
Sherman or Major-General Thomas to remain in the
city, will leave within the time above mentioned. If
found within the city after that date they will be im
prisoned.

" All male residents of this city, who do not register
their names with the city Provost-Marshal within five
days and receive authority to remain here, will be im
prisoned.

"WM. COGSWELL,
"Colonel Commanding Post."

Our conquerors had been far more lenient
than we had expected, but Judge Lenoir read
this notice, and ordered us to pack our trunks
and be ready to leave by noon.

" To-morrow — can we not wait until to-mor
row ? " I pleaded. " The notice gives five days."

He looked at me, a certain pity blending with
the stern disapproval in his eyes.

" Further waiting will do no good, if it is
your wretched husband you wish to see. I
should have left the day the Yankees came in,
had I not desired to give him an opportu-

A FAIR REBEL. 297

nity to claim you. He has had ample time,
Rachel."

" Perhaps he was wounded at Jonesboro', or
his duties have detained him," I said, in a chok
ing tone.

" He might have sent you some message.
False to his country, false to his wife."

" I will not believe that, sir. You are unjust,
cruel. He would come; I know he would come,
if he could."

" If you wish to remain in Atlanta alone and
unprotected, and surrounded by hordes of law
less soldiers, I will not prevent you, but I must
tell you that it will be a perilous thing to do."

I have since wished that I had been brave
enough to do it, but, inexperienced and fearful,
I could not make up my mind to take such a step.
I felt more like a captive being dragged away
to imprisonment than a refugee fleeing from an
enemy, while Aunt Milly and Uncle Ned hastily
gathered my personal property together. We
were to go in private conveyances as far as
Decatur, then by rail to Augusta. Mrs. Sims

298 ADVENTURES OF

was sorely grieved to leave all her precious
household goods, but the judge impatiently
ordered her to let them alone. At the last
moment I begged Elinor to give me Arnold's
picture, and she did so. It was a strange, hur
ried departure. We saw none of our friends,
not even the Mandevilles, who were boarding
in another part of the city. The house was
closed and locked. I felt a dreadful sinking of
the heart, as I followed the others out to the
gate. It seemed to me that I ought to stay in
Atlanta; that I ought to make inquiries about
Arnold.

We were in the carriage when a Union sol
dier came up, saluted us, and said:

" Is this Judge Lenoir's family ? "

"It is," said the judge, haughtily, slamming
the door in his face. I pulled down the window.

" What do you want ? " I cried, eagerly.

"To give this to Mrs. Arnold Lambert,"
drawing a sealed envelope from his pocket.
" Captain Andrews asked me to deliver it. He
was called away two days ago."

A FAIR REBEL. 299

" Drive on ! " said the judge angrily to the
coachman.

" I am Mrs. Arnold Lambert ! " I cried, as
the horses started.

The soldier ran nearer, tossed the letter into
my lap, but before he could utter another word
of explanation we had rolled away.

" It is beneath you, Rachel, to parley with a
common soldier, and a Yankee," said the judge.

I made no reply. With shaking fingers I tore
open the envelope, my heart beating with the
joyful anticipation of a letter from Arnold, a
letter explaining his absence and silence; but
my eyes seemed smitten with blindness as they
fell on a ribbon-badge, marked with the Union
colors, and with " Jonesboro', August 3ist,"
traced in one corner, by an unfamiliar hand.
Judge Lenoir sat opposite me. I held out the
crumpled strip of silk to him.

" You will forgive him, now that he is dead,"
I said, then fell back, losing consciousness for
the first time in my life.

30O ADVENTURES OF

CHAPTER XXIV.

IT was a long time before I came back to
clear rational thought. I took strange jour
neys into still stranger countries. I traveled
through dry and thirsty desert lands, over
mountains so steep and rugged that my feet
could scarcely climb them, and into cities where
hostile faces constantly surrounded me, always
seeking Arnold, but never finding him. My
fevered brain held only one idea — to find him,
to vindicate his truth and honor. My surround
ings, the people who came and went about me,
were matters I felt utterly indifferent to.

I had never been stricken with such illness
before, and the fever, which had doubtless been
coming on for some time, was aggravated by
the terrors and anxieties of the siege and the
final shock of receiving proof of Arnold's death.
I came back into the every-day world very
slowly. I first observed that I lay in my own

A FAIR REBEL. 301

room at home, that Alicia, Nell, and even
Uncle Charles came and went constantly about
the bed. I felt too weak and tired to speak to
them, to even lift my hand or utter a word of
thanks when nourishments were offered to me.
I didn't feel particularly grateful for such min
istrations. I would have much preferred being
left entirely alone. Aunt Milly hung constantly
about the bed and Uncle Ned kept the fire
blazing with fresh logs.

" How is her gittin' on now ? " he would whis
per, asking the question every time he came in.

Elinor and her mother also sat in the room
occasionally, and one day I was startled to
hear the judge's voice at the door. No one but
Mrs. Sims was in the room, and she went to the
door.

" Come in, father."

" Is she asleep, Lizette ? " he inquired.

" I don't know. She is in the same state that
she was in yesterday. It is a most unnatural
condition, and / think that she will come out of
it only to die."

302 ADVENTURES OF

" Hush ! " he said, as he stepped softly across
the threshold.

" Oh, she cannot hear. She takes no notice
of anything."

Through half-closed eyelids I saw him as he
crossed the room and stood at the bedside,
looking very old and feeble, and leaning on his
stick. The soft expression of his face reminded
me of the first time that I had seen him and
compared him to Goethe. The recollection
touched such chords of memory that my whole
being seemed to vibrate. I sighed shuddering-
ly. The wave of feeling seemed to leave me
colder and more indifferent than ever. I opened
my eyes and stared at him. It must have been
a very blank gaze, for he laid his tremulous old
hand on my head and said:

" Don't you know me, Rachel ? "

He was the last person I had spoken to be
fore the beginning of my illness, and the first
as I came out of it. It was with a sense of
wonder at my own strength that I said:

" Yes, sir, I know you."

A FAIR REBEL. 303

" God be thanked for that ! " he crted fer
vently.

" I gave you the badge," I continued.

"Yes, "and his face grew more and more
agitated. "It is here," touching his breast
pocket.

" May— I— have— it ? "

"There, there, child, don't talk any more.
Had I better call the others, father ? " exclaimed
Mrs. Sims in a frightened tone.

I knew she thought that I was dying, but life
and death were alike indifferent to me. The
judge drew the Union colors from his pocket
and placed them in my hand. The sight of the
cause of all my woe roused no special emotion
in me, beyond a mournful satisfaction that I
once more held the bit of ribbon Arnold had
worn about his person.

My recovery was slow. The woods were
changing their brilliant autumn tints to brown
when I sat up by the window and looked into
the outer world for the first time, a wan, ghostly
shadow of myself. Illness had brought a cer-

304 ADVENTURES OF

tain patient resignation to me. I meditated on
my broken life with a calmness really astonish
ing in one of such strong, ardent feelings as
mine. No tears, nor violent outbursts of grief,
nor vainly uttered regrets. I talked very little
at all, and those about me were wise enough to
leave me in peaceful silence. Judge Lenoir
came in to sit awhile with me every day. He
was very tender, remorsefully tender. Once he
reverted to the day we left Atlanta.

"I was brutally cruel," he said. "Rachel,
my child, you must forgive me."

"Oh, you didn't know; I couldn't blame
you," I replied, surprised that he should let such
a little thing trouble him.

" But I might have been kinder."

"It doesn't matter now," I said gently.

" Does anything matter now, Rachel ? "

" Not tome."

Later Elinor told me that Arnold's death had
affected the judge very much; that all his love
for the boy, as he called him, had risen warm
and tender in his heart again; that secretly he

A FAIR REBEL. 305

grieved deeply. I felt glad of it, and the old
man seemed nearer and dearer to me afterward.

As I took up the threads of daily life again,
certain changes became evident. One day I
looked out on the " quarters," and saw that
most of the cabins were vacant. Here and there
a feeble old man or woman appeared, but the
children, the strong, lusty young negroes, and
the middle-aged, were all gone.

" Where are all the negroes ? " I inquired.

" Gone to the Yankees," said Nell, in a tone
of extreme disgust. " Father says that they
will be glad enough to get back again, but he
is not sure that he will allow one of them on
the place. I wouldn't, I'm sure. Ungrateful
creatures, to run away from their best friends !
Would you believe it, Rachel, I actually have
to dress myself ! We've scarcely servants
enough left to do the housework."

" How did I get home ? " was the next ques
tion I asked.

" They brought you in the carriage. It was
an awful shock to us when they drove up with

306 ADVENTURES OF

you, white as a ghost, and — and limp as a rag.
We thought at first that you were dead, and
when we heard that you were married, and
what had happened — well, if war didn't give
one nerves of iron, there'd be no living through
it. We were already quite distracted about
you, shut up in Atlanta. I really never passed
through such a harassing year in all my life.1'

She did seem greatly changed and sobered.
Her dress was plain and simple, and the beauti
ful coquettish curls were all pinned back.

From her I learned that Arnold's people
were in their own house, that they gave up all
thought of going to Augusta, but settled down
at the Montgomery place to be near me during
my illness.

" They stopped here for a few days until the
house could be opened, or put in order, rather,
for it was broken open months ago, and half
the things in it destroyed."

There were other questions I wished to ask,
but she was called away to attend to some
household duty. Some change in Alicia vague-

A FAIR REBEL. 307

ly troubled me. The sweet and tender melan
choly of her face touched me with a sense of
pain every time I looked at her, and why, I
wondered, should she wear a black gown all
the time ? I remembered it as one that I par
ticularly disliked.

" I wish you wouldn't wear this," I said to
her once, touching its folds with the tips of
my fingers.

" It is all the black gown I have," she re
plied, with a slight quiver in her voice.

" Why must you wear black ? " I asked in a
whisper.

" You have not heard ? "

" I have not heard anything."

" Reuben was killed in the battle of Atlanta."

I could not utter one word of sympathy. I
simply looked up at her and held out my hand.
She came nearer; threw her arm about my
neck.

" I felt for you as the others could not," she
whispered, "for I knew by experience what
you suffered."

308 ADVENTURES OF

I felt her tears falling on my face, and leaned
against her, my own eyes wet with the first
bitter drops I had shed since Arnold's death.

We talked together for a long time, and it
seemed to me that I had just begun to realize
what a strong, brave woman my cousin was.

"Now," she said at last, rising, "can you
walk into my room ? I want to show you
something.''

She wrapped a mantle around me, and I fol
lowed her down the hall to her bedroom. A
crib stood near the hearth, and leading me up
to it, she turned back the blankets from a rosy
sleeping baby. I caught my breath in a little
gasp.

" Yours, Alicia ? " looking across at her face
in a tremulous glow of love and tenderness.

"Yes, mine," she said, with such deep joy in
the ownership, I felt glad for her. " My son,
my Reuben ! "

" When— when—

" He was born just two weeks before — his
father fell in that battle."

A FAIR REBEL. 309

" Did he know ? "

"My husband? Yes; I had written a few
lines, and he wrote to me the day before he
died."

The child opened his eyes, and seeing a
strange face bending over him, cried out with
terror.

Alicia lifted him in her arms to her breast,
pressing his round tender face against her
heart.

" You are not alone," I said.

" No, I shall never be alone while he lives,"
and she looked at me with soft, pitying eyes.

A light tap on the door interrupted us.
"Come," said Alicia, and a big loose-jointed
negro man came shyly in, twisting his wool hat
around in his hands. It was John, Cousin
Reuben's personal attendant.

" Didn't I hear Mars Rubin cryin', Missus?"

" Yes, you may take him down-stairs, John."

He took the child into his big arms, holding
it tenderly as a woman, and it nestled content
edly on his shoulder, its fair, sweet face lying

310 ADVENTURES OF

against his black neck. When he went out of
the room Alicia told me of his grief for the loss
of his master, and his devotion to the baby.
He would hold the child by the hour, and could
pacify and amuse it when no one else could.
As we talked we went to the window and
looked out into the back yard. There sat John
on the kitchen doorstep, in the sunshine, with
little Reuben on his knee, crooning a lullaby
in his husky voice.

Mutual sympathy drew Alicia and me very
close together during those days of my conval
escence. Uncle Charles was too bewildered by
the general state of affairs to do much more
than wander about the house and plantation,
helplessly wondering how he could get on
without his slaves. The sight of the deserted
" quarters " seemed to smite him with sad sur
prise every day.

" Who would have thought it ? " he said, one
day, standing on the back piazza, with his
hands in his pockets, staring down at the va
cant cabins.

A FAIR REBEL. 311

" Thought what, Uncle Charles ? "

" That the war would turn out as it has, and
that the ungrateful negroes I've fed and clothed
so long would run away and leave me, the first
chance they could get."

I knew that it would be useless for me to
argue that the negroes earned their food and
clothing: his sense of injury would remain; so
I held my peace. It was Alicia who told me
how they had suffered from the ravages of the
army. All the horses and cattle, almost every
fowl, had been taken away from the place, and
the house would have been pillaged one day
by a party of the common soldiers — " bum
mers," they were called — had not an officer in
terfered. Fences were torn down, carts and
wagons destroyed, and one day she went with
me to the carriage-house, to show the sad
plight of the handsome new carriage Uncle
Charles had bought soon after our return to
Georgia. Its cushions were torn open; its pur
ple silk lining hung in tatters.

"They cut it to pieces with their pocket-

312 ADVENTURES OF

knives," she said. " I asked them why they
wantonly destroyed our unoffending property,
and they said that it was the only way to con
quer us."

While we were on that tour of inspection,
she carried me down into the orchard, where
the turf grew thick and green under an apple-
tree. She stooped down near a gnarled root
and spread open the grass.

" It doesn't show where it has been cut,
does it ? "

"Cut! "I echoed; "how?"

She rose up, brushing her fingers.

"When we heard that the Yankees were
coming, father felt distracted about his money.
He didn't know what to do with it. I told him
that I would hide it. I put it in an iron pot —
one that had a cover to it — came down here
one night, after twelve o'clock, and buried it.
I cut out a square of the sod, and lifted it up
whole. When I had buried the pot, I replaced
the grass as you see it now. No one knew
where it was — not even father nor Nell. I used

A FAIR REBEL. 313

to tremble when the soldiers were prowling
through the orchard. They walked over this
very spot dozens of times, and once I slipped
down here and thrust a stick into the ground,
to make sure the pot had not been removed.
Ought we to leave it here ? "

" By all means, until the country is in a safer,
more settled state," I replied.

"The Federal troops still occupy Atlanta."

" Yes, and they forage all through the coun
try."

It was that night that Nell ran into my room,
crying:

"Wake up, Rachel! wake up! They are
burning Atlanta ! "

I sprang up, my weakened nerves thrilling
with the shock of such news. All the front
windows of the house were illuminated with a
strong, red light, and, in the rear, the orchard,
the negro quarters, and the woods and fields
beyond, were like a vivid picture against a back
ground of darkness. Uncle Charles and the
girls, and two or three of the negroes, climbed

3 14 ADVENTURES OF

out on the roof, but I was forbidden to expose
myself in the night air, on account of my re
cent illness. I stood by the front window, with
Uncle Ned and Aunt Milly hovering near me.
My heart swelled with pain; tears streamed
silently down my cheeks. In Atlanta I had
experienced my greatest joy and bitterest sor
row, and its destruction seemed to break the
last link between me and that past. But my
tears quenched not one spark of the fire. Up
the clouded sky streamed the lurid light until
all the world seemed one vast conflagration.

A FAIR REBEL. 3T5

CHAPTER XXV.

IT was midsummer, and nearly two months
after the surrender. The turmoil of war had
ceased, though many people could yet scarcely
believe no more battles would be fought. The
country was still in an agitated condition, and
bade fair to remain so for a long time; but it
was the natural result of such a fierce struggle,
such a great revolution. It affected all classes,
none more than the planters, who had to learn
to adjust themselves to narrowed circum
stances and to hired labor in place of their
slaves. Many of them were ruined, through
lack of knowledge and experience to manage
their affairs under the changed conditions.

Some of Uncle Charles's negroes strayed back
to him after the first excitement and intoxica
tion of freedom had worn off, and they realized
that they would still have to work for a living.

3l6 ADVENTURES OF

He was not inclined to take them back as wage-
earners, but Alicia wisely counseled that they
would be better than strangers on the place,
and he listened to her. Poor Uncle Charles !
Had it not been for her his experiments as a
planter after the war would have ended in dis
astrous failure. She curtailed all lavish expen
diture, and gradually led him to see the neces
sity for planting less land than when he had
an army of slaves at his beck and call.

Wifehood and motherhood had developed
and strengthened latent qualities in my cousin
unsuspected in her girlhood. She led a busy,
absorbed life, devoted to the care of the house
hold, her father's interests, and the love of her
child. She seemed to find more and more
pleasure in living for him, in watching his
growth, planning his future, as the winter pass
ed and spring brought peace to the country.
She grew cheerful, and talked less, even to me,
of her sorrow and loss; but in the twilight,
when the baby was tucked into his crib, asleep,
she would steal away and walk alone through

A FAIR REBEL. 317

the grounds, and, by the gentle sadness of her
' face, I knew that it was an hour devoted to
Cousin Reuben.

After the surrender I told Uncle Ned and
Aunt Milly that they were free, and could
leave me, if they desired to do so.

" Now, Miss Rachel, what is I done dat you
gwine ter talk so ? " exclaimed the old man, in
a tone of mingled grief and indignation. " Don't
I al'ays min' you ? 'ceptin' I did foller you ter
Chattanugy dat time. Co'se, if you wants ter
git rid o' me an' Milly, you can sell us; but I
know ole mars 'lowed—

" I cannot do anything of the kind. I have
no power to buy or sell you. You are a citizen
of the United States, and as free as I am."

" Law, honey, me an' Ned done b'long ter
you too many years now for changes," said
Aunt Milly.

" Of course, I don't want you to leave me,
but I do want you to understand that you
have the liberty to do it, if you desire to. If
you remain I will pay you wages."

318 ADVENTURES OF

They treated that proposition as a kind of
joke. I had always shown a certain liberality •
toward them, and they had some money laid
by. They would have served me faithfully the
remainder of their lives without a penny more,
and when, at the end of the first month of their
freedom, I paid them wages, they received it
gratefully, as a gift; and it was so as long as
they lived. They counted their services as
something rightfully mine, and not to be paid
for.

I received a letter from Miss Jane Mande-
ville soon after the surrender. They had re
turned to their plantation, near Cartersville,
and were extremely poor. I pondered a good
deal over a long letter received from Mary
Ladislaw late in the spring.

" I have decided, dear Rachel, to undertake
a rather strange work," she wrote. " To lead
an idle life will be impossible for me after the
busy, stirring years we have just passed through,
and after my grievous loss. My relatives are
most kind, and desire me to remain with them,

A FAIR REBEL. 319

but I must have employment for my heart and
•brain, to keep me from brooding, to keep me
from melancholy — madness. I have still a
small portion of property, and I intend to open
an industrial school for the instruction of poor
children, left orphans by the war. Those of the
better classes will be cared for, but I wish to
give useful training to the humble, ignorant
girls left helpless and unprovided for. They
should be a sacred trust to the South, these
orphans of the Confederacy. Our slaves are
now free citizens, and it yet remains to be seen
whether, under such circumstances, they will
make good servants.

" I shall not remain in Savannah to make
this experiment, my relatives are all so prej
udiced against it. They call it a wild scheme,
an occupation lowering to my dignity. I verily
believe they would rather see me a sister of
charity, but the spirit of a missionary animates
me. If to teach poor children requires the giv
ing up of social position, I am willing to make
the sacrifice, and to spend all the remaining

320 ADVENTURES OF

years of my life in this work. I think not only
of the benefit to the individual, but of the
ultimate good of the country. Dense igno
rance prevails among our lower classes."

This letter surprised, almost shocked me at
first, and I hastily implored Mary to carefully
consider all that such an undertaking would
involve, but the more I thought it over, the
more noble and righteous it seemed. I will
state here that her plan was never a thorough
success, and she finally gave it up, after her
money had all been expended, and accepted a
position as teacher in a college, to the chagrin
of her relatives, who could never overcome
the traditional prejudice against women work
ing.

That spring of the surrender I was strangely
tempted to join her, my life seemed so idle and
purposeless. That the world could ever hold
any great interest for me again seemed impos
sible. My brief and tragical love-story had
closed the doors of happiness against me for
ever. Arnold Lambert had absorbed my heart

A FAIR REBEL. 321

too entirely for me to ever think of loving an
other. I said very little about him, but his
image remained as vividly impressed on my
heart as it had ever been. There had been a
sorrowful pilgrimage to the Jonesboro' battle
field with Judge Lenoir and Elinor, but we
could find no trace of him. He had evidently
been buried with the unknown dead. What to
do with the future I knew not. Alicia had her
duties and would in time grow happy and con
tented in them, and Nell expected soon to be
married. I stitched many sad reflections into
her trousseau.

Judge Lenoir had repeatedly urged me to
make my home with his family. They had
gone back to Atlanta, and as their house had
escaped the general destruction repaired it at
considerable cost. I visited it once, but every
room seemed so haunted with memories of
Arnold, that I shrank from living in them alto
gether.

It was Nell's wedding eve, and when the
last stitches had been taken in the bridal dress

322 ADVENTURES OF

1 left the house and went down to the Mont
gomery place to inspect the roses Lin the
garden. They were destined to adorn the wed
ding feast, and the parlor next day. It was
the softest and stillest of June evenings. The
twilight came down lingeringly, indeed there
was scarcely any twilight at all, for in the west
the rose of sunset shone, while in the east the
full moon came up.

It had been one of my dark, rebellious days.
I did not grudge Nell her happiness, but it
seemed most bitter that mine should be taken
from me.

"If you can see me, and know my wretched
ness, comfort me with your presence, my be
loved !" I cried, my streaming eyes lifted to the
empty vault of the sky. I paced the garden
walks until only the moonlight made a soft
illumination about me, and stars sparkled in
the blue of the upper heaven. Then I turned
toward the gate again. As I did so a man
thrust it open with a quick, imperious gesture,
and approached me. I stopped for a moment,

A FAIR REBEL. 323

wondering who it could be, then I stood still
because surprise, joy — I know not what inde
scribable emotion — held me speechless and
motionless, for it was Arnold walking toward me
with those impatient steps, those love-lit eyes,
and outstretched arms. Could it be a vision,
a mere phantasm conjured up by my own eyes,
yearning to behold him ? Were not those arms,
gathering me into an impassioned embrace,
real ? those lips touching mine, warm and ten
der with life ?

The light of a new existence seemed to
dawn upon me when I at last realized that my
husband had not perished on the battle-field,
but stood at my side, living, and bidding me
to come forth with him into a world made
glorious by his love and companionship.

THE END.

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